LONDON — The tennis world was met with a poignant and definitive announcement on Wednesday as former World No. 3 and 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic declared his immediate retirement from professional tennis. The 33-year-old Canadian, whose career was both defined by a thunderous serve and hampered by persistent injuries, released an emotional statement, drawing the curtain on a 14-year journey at the sport’s highest level.
Raonic’s last official match was a first-round loss at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a fittingly global stage for a player who carried Canadian tennis to unprecedented heights. His decision, while not entirely unexpected given his lengthy battle with physical ailments, marks the end of an era for Canadian sports. In his statement, Raonic reflected with characteristic grace, writing, "I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that my body, after years of incredible effort and work, can no longer sustain the demands of the professional tour."
A Career Forged in Power and Precision
Milos Raonic burst onto the scene as a new archetype: a 6’5” powerhouse whose serve was less a shot and more a natural event. He turned professional in 2008, but it was in 2011 that he announced himself, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open as a qualifier. This run catapulted him into the Top 100, and he never looked back, becoming the first Canadian man in the Open Era to break into the world’s top 10.
His game was built around a weapon often described as one of the greatest serves of his generation. Raonic held the record for the most aces in a best-of-three-sets match (47) and consistently led the tour in service games won and break points saved. But to label him merely a server would be a disservice. He diligently developed a formidable forehand, improved his net play, and worked relentlessly on his movement and returns to become a complete threat on all surfaces.
The pinnacle of his career came on the hallowed grass of the All England Club in 2016. Seeded sixth, Raonic powered his way to the final, defeating Roger Federer in a thrilling five-set semifinal. Though he fell to Andy Murray in the championship match, his run cemented his status as a Grand Slam contender and a national hero in Canada.
The Shadow of Injury and Resilience
For all his on-court achievements, Raonic’s narrative is inextricably linked to a brutal list of injuries. His career became a cycle of brilliant peaks followed by agonizing rehabilitation. He underwent multiple surgeries on his right foot, his wrist, his knee, and dealt with persistent back and leg issues. These physical setbacks robbed him of consistency and momentum at the very moments he seemed poised to challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes.
The toll was not just physical but deeply mental. In his retirement statement, he acknowledged this struggle, stating, "The challenges of the past few years, both in terms of my physical health and the mental fortitude required to constantly come back, have been immense." Despite this, his resilience was remarkable. He returned time and again, often playing at a shockingly high level after long layoffs, a testament to his work ethic and love for competition.
His final years on tour were a testament to this grit. After missing virtually all of 2022, he made a stirring return in 2023, reaching the final of the ATP event in ’s-Hertogenbosch and pushing Jannik Sinner to a third-set tiebreak at the Canadian Open in Toronto, thrilling home fans with a vintage performance.
A Legacy Beyond the Baseline
While the Wimbledon final stands as his signature result, Raonic’s career accomplishments are substantial and historic for Canadian tennis:
- Reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in 2016.
- Won eight ATP Tour titles, including the prestigious ATP 1000 event in Cincinnati in 2016.
- Reached the semifinals of the Australian Open (2016) and the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams.
- Played a pivotal role in leading Canada to its first-ever Davis Cup final in 2019.
- Earned over $20 million in prize money and countless more in endorsements.
More than the statistics, Raonic’s legacy is that of a trailblazer. Alongside Eugenie Bouchard on the women’s side, he proved that Canadian tennis players could not only compete but dominate on the world stage. He paved the way for the current "Golden Generation" of Canadian men’s tennis, inspiring and setting a professional standard for the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
The Final Serve: An Emotional Farewell
In his lengthy and heartfelt retirement note, Raonic expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his coaches, his team, Tennis Canada, and his family for their unwavering support. He reserved special appreciation for the fans, writing, "To the fans who have cheered for me, supported me through the highs and the lows, and made me feel your passion in stadiums around the world – thank you. You made this journey unforgettable."
The statement concluded with a forward-looking, yet bittersweet, sentiment: "While this chapter as a professional athlete is closing, I am excited for what lies ahead. I leave the sport with no regrets, knowing I gave absolutely everything I had. I am so grateful." The tennis community responded with an outpouring of respect, with rivals and peers from Andy Murray to Novak Djokovic posting tributes to his professionalism and powerful impact on the game.
The Court Goes Quiet
Milos Raonic’s retirement leaves a void. The sight of him methodically preparing to serve, the unique ritual of the bounce, and the subsequent sonic boom of the ball striking the backstop will be missed. His career was a compelling study in power, perseverance, and what might have been. Though injuries ultimately dictated the timeline, his achievements stand immutable. He transformed the perception of Canadian tennis, delivered some of the most dominant serving performances ever witnessed, and competed with a quiet intensity that commanded respect. As he steps away, the echo of his final, unreturnable serve lingers—a fitting tribute to a player whose impact will resonate long after his departure from the court.