Former world number three Milos Raonic has announced his immediate retirement from professional tennis, bringing the curtain down on a career marked by a thunderous serve, a Grand Slam final, and a punishing battle with injuries.
A Career Cut Short by Persistent Injuries
The 35-year-old Canadian, a finalist at Wimbledon in 2016, confirmed his decision in an emotional statement shared across his social media channels. His last professional match was two years ago, with a shoulder injury in 2024 ultimately proving season-ending and career-defining. Raonic had struggled with persistent calf and leg problems throughout the latter stages of his playing days.
In a desperate bid to compete, Raonic resorted to extreme measures to get match-ready. Most notably, before Wimbledon in 2023, he adopted a drastic diet, losing an astonishing three stone in just one month by consuming only a single steak per day.
A Legacy of Power and National Pride
Despite his physical struggles, Raonic leaves an indelible mark on the sport. He remains the highest-ranked Canadian male player in ATP history, having peaked at world number three in November 2016, sitting behind only Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. Renowned for one of the most formidable serves of the Open era, he claimed eight ATP Tour titles.
His finest hour came at the All England Club in 2016, where he reached his sole Grand Slam final, ultimately falling to Andy Murray. The announcement comes just a week before the start of the 2026 Australian Open main draw, a tournament where Raonic once reached the semi-finals.
An Emotional Farewell and Look to the Future
In his retirement statement, Raonic reflected on his journey with gratitude. "The time has come, I am retiring from tennis," he 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 thanked his fans, coaches, the tennis tours, and his colleagues, reserving special praise for his family. "As lucky as I am to have found tennis, it pales in comparison to how lucky I am to have you as my parents, sister, and brother," he stated.
Looking ahead, Raonic signalled he is not stepping away from challenge. "I won't be slowing down," he asserted. "There is so much more life to live, and I am as motivated and hungry as I was in 2011... I will put the same effort and intensity into the next thing."
His retirement closes a chapter for Canadian tennis, leaving behind a legacy of power, perseverance, and a career that inspired a nation.
