Canada’s Raonic pulls out of Sony Open, says he’ll be ready for Davis Cup

MIAMI – Canada’s Milos Raonic was forced to withdraw prior to his third-round match Monday at the Sony Open due to strep throat, but said he should be fine for Davis Cup play next week in Vancouver against Italy.

“I feel much better now than I did at 2 a.m. this morning,” said the 14th seed from Thornhill, Ont., who was scheduled to face American Sam Querrey.

“I got sick over the last two days with strep throat. I felt really bad the last two nights. I wasn’t able to sleep with the high fever.I had discomfort and pain all over the body. I only decided not to play five minutes ago, I was trying to play it out as long as possible. But I feel completely drained.

It was the second straight year that hard luck has struck the 22-year-old in Miami. In 2012, he was unable to play Andy Murray in the third round due to an ankle injury.

“It’s just bad luck, nothing more,” said a pale Raonic, who said he had a fever prior to playing his previous match on Saturday against Frenchman Guillaume Rufin. “Between a twisted ankle and illness, I hope that’s it for bad luck in Miami.

“This will pass and I’m sure I’ll be fine for Davis Cup.