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MELBOURNE—Milos Raonic is the No. 16 seed at the Australian Open, but it didn't help get a favorable draw. The 28-year-old has had to take out Nick Kyrgios, Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev just to reach the quarterfinals.

But his esteemed opponents forced him to play great tennis since the start of the Grand Slam, and now that he's healthy again, the Canadian is more than capable of doing it.

"I had a really good offseason. I put in some of the best hours in a long period of time, maybe if ever," he said in Melbourne following his three-set win over Zverev. "I'm not the kind of guy that needs a lot of matches. For me, it's about being sharp, moving well and being efficient with my serve, and this kind of thing.

"As long as I have the freedom to put in the work and with no physical hindrances, I think I can always give myself a chance."

Raonic rolls through a tough draw to the Australian Open quarterfinals

Raonic rolls through a tough draw to the Australian Open quarterfinals

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Raonic reached the semifinals at the Australian Open in 2016 before dealing with frequent injury problems, especially with his legs. Despite the setbacks, the former world No. 3 says he's kept improving his game.

"I think I'm a better player than I was back then," he said. "I think I'm getting better at the net because since 2016 I have made an effort every single time I have been healthy to come forward. And returning-wise, I'm just trying to mix things up."

Raonic, who is coached by Goran Ivanisevic, is just lacking a little confidence that comes with consistent match play.

"Now you always have to think about things a bit more because you're always trying to search for that rhythm, that sort of what should you do," the Canadian said. "I had three or two good years [before that], you don't have to think about things as much."

But this fortnight will have gone a long way to rectifying that. Finally, his draw is also a little easier—Raonic plays No. 28-seeded Lucas Pouille in the quarterfinals.

Raonic rolls through a tough draw to the Australian Open quarterfinals

Raonic rolls through a tough draw to the Australian Open quarterfinals

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