They’re poised to face off for a Brisbane International final berth but Milos Raonic has taken time to praise Bernard Tomic’s tennis career turnaround.
The big-serving Canadian will play Tomic on Pat Rafter Arena on Saturday for a spot in the decider after both won semifinals on Friday.
Raonic, the world No.14, believes Tomic deserves credit for his improved performances and commitment last year.
The Australian improved from No.78 in the world to a career-high ranking of No.18 in 2015, winning the third title of his career, in Colombia, along the way.
“He’s made great strides forward, which he always had within him,” Raonic said.
“But it was sort of the professionalism and what he did off the court to put those pieces together. I think he’s doing that now.”
The pair has only met once in their career, a 7-6(3), 6-3 win to Raonic in the opening round of the tour event in Tokyo in 2014.
During his three-set quarterfinal win over world No.8 Kei Nishikori, Tomic fed off the energy of a partisan Queensland crowd at Pat Rafter Arena.
Raonic said he could not let the fact he would be up against a hometown favourite distract him as he aimed to make consecutive finals in Brisbane.
“Just focus on what you can control and what’s ahead of you,” he said.
“I’ve played Lleyton (Hewitt) in a night match in Melbourne, so I’ve had the sense of what that’s like. The fans here are very passionate.”