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By Erik Gudris
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013

Milos Raonic secured his spot into the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup in Montreal with a controversial victory that sparked an intense debate among tennis fans worldwide.

Canada's top player faced off against Juan Martin Del Potro in a third round meeting where both men were not 100% physically entering the match. Early in the opening set, Raonic received an extended 11-minute medical time out to have a trainer attend to a pinched nerve in his neck.

After returning to the court, Raonic went on to take the first set 7-5. Del Potro managed to break the Canadian early in the second set.

But controversy soon erupted. Del Potro, serving up 4-3, found himself in an extended rally with Raonic, who chased down a short ball. As Raonic hit a winning forehand, his foot skidded and touched the net.

Umpire Mohamed Lahyani, who was watching Del Potro during the point, did not see what happened and awarded the point to Raonic. Del Potro, in disbelief, argued with Lahyani, who admitted his mistake but did not reverse the call. Raonic himself did not admit to touching the net.

Del Potro lost focus from that moment on and did not win a single point, allowing Raonic to claim the 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Afterwards, Raonic was asked about Del Potro feeling the Canadian should have admitted he touched the net, "I was fortunate that the line judge didn't see it. It's a lucky thing for me in my sense, unlucky for him. Something that can go really both ways," Raonic said. "It's a big point. I don't know. If you can put somebody in the situation being down break point, same thing happens, do you call it on yourself?"

When pressed if Del Potro was right that it should have been his point, Raonic said, "Hypothetically, yes. Technically, no."

Del Potro himself took to social media to express how he felt after the match.
 


Djokovic Overcomes Istomin in Three Sets

Top seed Novak Djokovic endured a blistering start from Denis Istomin to keep his hopes alive for a third straight Rogers Cup title.

Despite being an overwhelming favorite, Djokovic found himself unable to deal with Istomin's fast momentum early on. Istomin soon wrapped up the first set 6-2.

But once Djokovic secured a break for 3-2 in the second set, things turned around for the world No. 1. Djokovic took control of the match from there and eventually wrapped up the 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 win.

Afterwards, Djokovic kept his earlier promise to dance if he won each of his matches. Donning a black wig, Djokovic once again busted out dance moves to the delight of the crowd.

Next up for Djokovic is a rematch of last year's final in Toronto against France's Richard Gasquet. Gasquet reached the quarterfinals with a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori.
 

(Photo Credit: AP)

 

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