Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35, bringing an end to a nearly two-decade career defined by a powerful serve and a memorable run to the top of the sport.
A Career of Power and Promise Cut Short by Injury
Raonic enjoyed an impressive career on the ATP Tour, securing eight singles titles and reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in 2016. That standout year saw him achieve his greatest Grand Slam result, finishing as runner-up at Wimbledon after a defeat to Britain's Andy Murray in the final. He also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open the same year.
However, the latter stages of his career were persistently hampered by fitness issues. A particularly severe foot and Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for more than two years, severely limiting his appearances. He made a brief return to competition in 2024 to represent Canada at the Paris Olympics before deciding the time was right to step away for good.
An Emotional Farewell on Social Media
The athlete broke the news to his fans in a heartfelt social media post. "The time has come, I am retiring from tennis," Raonic wrote. "This is a moment you know will come one day, but somehow you never feel ready for it. This is as ready as I will ever be. Tennis has been my love and obsession for most of my life."
He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to live his dream, recalling how he was introduced to the game by chance at eight years old. Raonic thanked his global fanbase, his coaching team, and the tennis institutions like the ATP and the Grand Slams for the "amazing experiences."
Looking Ahead: A Champion's Mindset Endures
In his statement, Raonic also looked to the future with characteristic determination. He vowed not to slow down, stating he remains as motivated as he was in 2011 when he first broke through on the tour.
"What's next?" he asked. "There is so much more life to live... I will put the same effort and intensity into the next thing. If I can pursue the same excellence as I did with my tennis, just trying to be better every day, and let’s see where it takes me."
His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for Canadian tennis, where he paved the way for the current generation of stars with his formidable serve-and-volley style and deep Grand Slam runs.
