Milos Raonic, the powerful server and former World no 3, officially announced his retirement from professional tennis on Monday.
The 35-year-old, known affectionately as “The Missile” for his record-breaking serves, shared the news via social media. In an emotional post, Raonic reflected on a journey that took him from an eight-year-old picking up a racquet to becoming the first Canadian man in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final.
“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.”
A Career of Highs
Raonic’s career was defined by his historic 2016 season. That year, he defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling five-set semi-final at Wimbledon to reach the final, where he eventually finished as runner-up to Andy Murray.
Key Career Statistics:
- Career-High Ranking: World No. 3 (November 2016)
- ATP Titles: 8
- Grand Slam Highlights: Wimbledon Finalist (2016), Australian Open Semi-finalist (2016)
- ATP Masters 1000: Reached four finals
Battling Injuries
While his talent was undeniable, Raonic’s later years were marked by a persistent battle with injuries. Shoulder and leg issues frequently kept him off the court for extended periods. His final competitive match took place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he represented Canada one last time in a hard-fought opening-round loss.
Despite the physical toll, Raonic remained a respected figure in the locker room and a pivotal influence on the current “golden generation” of Canadian players, including Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
Looking Ahead
Raonic expressed deep gratitude to his family, coaches, and fans, stating that he feels like the “luckiest person” to have lived out his dreams. While he did not specify his immediate plans, he hinted at staying active in new ventures.
“I won’t be slowing down,” Raonic added. “There is so much more life to live, and I am as motivated and hungry as I was in 2011 when I broke through on tour.”