After 2017 withdrawal, Raonic ready to return

Milos Raonic will follow through on a vow he made after an injury forced him to withdraw from the final of the 2017 Delray Beach Open.

Raonic, who promised to return and try to finish what he started, is among several top players who have made early commitments to play in the 2018 event, Feb. 16-25 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

Jack Sock, who won in a walkover when Raonic pulled out with a hamstring tear, will defend his title. Juan Martin del Potro, the 2011 Delray champ, will return along with the fourtime doubles champion Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike.

Ticket pre-sale begins today and continues through Sept. 15, at the stadium box office and by calling 561-330-6000.

Tournament director Mark Baron was pleased with the early commitments, saying: “We have never signed, sealed and delivered a group like this by mid-August.”

Sock, whose fortunes have been on the rise in the past year, is No. 17 in the world rankings, second among Americans. Raonic, of Canada, is No. 11. Del Potro, a semifinalist at Delray Beach the past two years, has climbed to No. 28 in his comeback from a series of wrist injuries.

The 10-day competition will begin with a six-player ATP Champions Tour event over President’s Day weekend (Feb. 16-18), with the ATP World Tour singles and doubles draws starting Feb. 19.

A schedule of match times for 2018 is posted at YellowTennisBall.com.