Milos Raonic's Excellent Hair Adventure
Canadian Milos Raonic's impenetrable fortress of a hairdo has become such a topic of conversation, it's surprising it doesn't yet have its own parody Twitter account.
It was the bulk of his press conference after a barely discussion-worthy 6-1, 6-0 dismantling of the Italian Fabio Fognini Friday in Cincinnati. Raonic was happy to get into the nitty-gritty of how his 'do becomes his 'do, and the science behind it.
After experimentation, Raonic has found the secret to making it sweatproof.
"I actually found one brand that ... before the issue would be if you put a lot of product the hair doesn't absorb it at all and it just keeps going down your face. This one allows the hair to absorb it as well. I still sweat across my eyes, just not as much as if I used another product," he said. "My sweat doesn't go down the back. It still comes down the front of my face. I can't redirect that. Nowadays you can make dams, you can make lakes, you can make everything artificial. I cannot artificially direct my hair and my sweat."
Raonic also discussed his early cap-wearing days.
"Yeah, in juniors. I never really won with that look. I don't know (why). If I had that answer I would've made a custom had to irrigate my sweat another way."
There's another very good reason for that: hat head. Thus, the brief bandanna experimentations also fell by the wayside.
(Note: Raonic actually did a few things with the backwards cap as a pro – including qualifying at the Rogers Cup in Montreal as an 18-year-old in 2009 [see the slideshow]. But by 2010, in the qualifying in Toronto, it was no longer working for him).
Here is a historical retrospective of the various Milos Raonic hair looks throughout his career. Because, as you know, this is intelligence crucial to fate of the republic.
The new Raonic hair era really began at this year's French Open, when he discussed it with your Busted Racquet correspondent but still hadn't reached his final conclusions. It was, admittedly, early in the process.
That has changed in just a few months. But the savvy Raonic won't divulge his face-protecting sealant – until he can monetize it. "Well, let's get sponsored first," he said.
But how do they know, he was asked.
"I've made enough purchases from them. They should probably check their customer database."
Raonic was, in fact, a North American brand ambassador for Biotherm in 2012. But that deal is long expired; you'd have to think another one won't be long in arriving.
A few weeks ago in Washington, D.C., the subject came up, which make you wonder if ESPN might be planning a Raonic vs. Fernando Verdasco hair-off (skip to 2:17).
So far, the veteran still leads - by a hair. But he's had a longer career.
Here are a few Raonic hair thoughts from the Twittersphere. There are comments all the way back to 2011; generally, a thumbs up.
Milos Raonic's hair game rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. It's impeccable. pic.twitter.com/NJUqCHo2K2
— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) May 17, 2014
There must be a colossal amount of hair product in Milos Raonic's follicles right now. #Wimbledon #TennisAnalysis
— Jonathan Scott (@jonscott9) July 4, 2014
Nothing is as cool under pressure as Milos Raonic. Except maybe his hair. #raonic #wimbledon https://t.co/TG2CuVvf4A
— john huckle (@johndhuckle) July 2, 2014
I like it! He looks like a wealthy club player from the 50s. 😂 RT @jiodeleon: Milos Raonic' hair is making me laugh. So neat. #Wimbledon
— Jocas de Leon (@jocasdeleon) July 4, 2014
@A_Ballinger @milosraonic Milos has the best hair of any tennis player alive. I speak the truth
— juicy jason (@Jas_Bart) August 10, 2014
@milosraonic sorry about the loss but it was definitely the hair, need to gel that down 😉😉 #goodluckcharm
— court ● (@court_favacho) August 9, 2014
@milosraonic your hair looks much better when you don't cement it to your head like you're the great gatsby
— Dani Tango (@DaniTango) August 12, 2014
Wondering how much gel and hairspray Milos Raonic uses to keep his hair so perfect during his matches...?
— Lindsay Driscoll (@saydriscoll) August 14, 2014
Milos Raonic always looks like he is going to a movie premier. That must be the neatest hair on the ATP tour...#WesternandSouthernopen
— Wolfgang Storm (@WolfgangStorm) August 14, 2014
@milosraonic a big shout out to your continued success; but also your hair. It never moves. #keytosuccess
— Mike (@bigjammyballs) August 16, 2014
The main thing is, the man himself has a sense of humor about it.
I apologize for the sloppy hair! #paris #rolandgarros http://t.co/YFYNjLXPJt
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) May 29, 2014
We shall see Saturday night if the hair strategy pays off against Roger Federer – another player whose hair has been endlessly discussed over the years.