Barcelona a point behind in third with nine games remaining

Milos Raonic said dispatching Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4 in his opening ATP World Tour Finals match was the perfect way to overcome doubts about his fitness. The world No 4 pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final with Andy Murray last Saturday with a torn quadricep and there had been fears over his participation in London this week.Those were swept aside in a comprehensive triumph over a misfiring Monfils on Sunday night and although Raonic admitted he was not at 100 per cent, the match went far better than he expected. Raonic sweeps aside Monfils Milos Raonic showed no after-effects of a recent injury as he beat Gael Monfils He said: I didnt feel any pain to the injury I had. I think other muscles might be overworking to maybe compensate for that. I can feel them a little bit more fatigued and sore than they normally would be.But the injury is good. I feel like this is an ideal way to start considering the doubts that I was having. Some of the things I heard in the diagnosis were not the most positive, so this was a great way to turn around. Raonic dominated Monfils with his serve I dont think the expectations of what I can achieve have changed. I think the only thing that has changed is can I get through a match.Raonics victory over Monfils was built on his outstanding serving. He won 85 per cent of points on his first serve and 75 per cent on his second serve, and also produced 30 winners.His next match will be on Tuesday against Novak Djokovic, who defeated Dominic Thiem in three sets earlier on Sunday. Raonic explains his serve at the Sky Pad after beating Monfils Raonic added: I watched a little bit of his match today. He was very commanding towards the end of his match. He really stepped up after a difficult, slow start.Its going to be a difficult task that I have ahead of me. I feel like Im doing some things well. I feel like I can do some things better.Watch every day of the ATP World Tour Finals, from November 13-20, live on Sky Sports. Full schedule here. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. Also See: Djokovic wins O2 opener Djokovic denies temper issue World Tour Finals on Sky Sports Shots to watch at the O2 Mason Rudolph Steelers Jersey . The result means Atletico Madrid now tops the table, with Madrid level on points in second and Barcelona a point behind in third with nine games remaining as the title race shapes up to be the closest in years. James Washington Steelers Jersey . -- Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew practiced in a limited capacity Friday, a positive sign he might be able to play against the Tennessee Titans. http://www.shoptheofficialsteelers.us/st...rsey-authentic/. - After a back-and-forth battle throughout the season, Alex Guenette has earned the 2013 rookie of the year award for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 by just one point over Ryley Seibert. James Washington Jersey . With the union re-formed, negotiations with owners will resume Friday on the remaining issues that would be in the collective bargaining agreement, according to a person familiar with the plans. Terrell Edmunds Steelers Jersey . A quick first step to get to the hoop for a layup. A rousing dunk on the break off a high outlet pass saved by teammate Ramon Sessions.TOKYO -- Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese man to break into the top 10 of the world tennis rankings on Monday. Nishikori, who is No. 9, was assured of a place in the top 10 after beating Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. "It was a big goal for me to get top 10, but its just only one week for now," Nishikori said on the ATP website. "So I have to keep playing better tennis and keep this ranking. My goal is not to get one time into the top 10. Hopefully I can keep this ranking." The 24-year-old Nishikori bbeat David Ferrer 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-3 in the semifinals in Madrid before retiring from Sundays final with a hip injury when trailing Rafael Nadal 2-6, 6-4, 3-0.dddddddddddd Nishikori, who went into the Madrid Open at No. 12, had previously reached a career-high of No. 11 in June 2013. The Japanese player beat Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-2 to win the Barcelona Open on April 27 for his fifth career title and his second of the year. Nishikori becomes the first Asian to rank inside the top 10 since Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand did so on March 29, 2004. Cheap NFL Jerseys Throwback Cheap Jerseys Discount NFL Jerseys Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Discount Jerseys Wholesale Stitched Jerseys ' ' '