Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic, a former Wimbledon finalist who has been absent from competition since mid-2024, revealed his retirement from the professional tennis circuit in a heartfelt social media post on Sunday.
In an Instagram announcement, the 35-year-old Raonic expressed, “The moment has arrived, and I am bidding farewell to tennis. It’s a time you anticipate, yet you never truly feel prepared for it. This is as prepared as I will ever be. Tennis has been my passion and dedication for the majority of my life.”
Hailing from Thornhill, Ontario, Raonic’s last match was at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he was ousted in the initial round by Dominik Koepfer of Germany. At his peak, he attained the No. 3 ranking in men’s singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals. Raonic clinched eight ATP Tour titles and notably reached the final of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships, where he succumbed to Andy Murray in straight sets.
Tennis Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Ziv, hailed Raonic as “undoubtedly one of the finest athletes this nation has ever witnessed.” Ziv remarked on Raonic’s significant impact on Canadian tennis, stating, “His achievements in our sport and his perseverance throughout his career have reshaped expectations for Canadians.”
Raonic’s legacy extends beyond his accolades and rankings, as he revolutionized the Canadian tennis scene, leaving a lasting influence on players and programs in the country. His performance, especially during the 2016 Wimbledon run, inspired a new wave of belief and aspiration among Canadian tennis enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Raonic reached the quarterfinals in ten Grand Slam events, amassing an impressive 92-37 record in major tournaments. Reflecting on his journey, Raonic expressed gratitude for the remarkable individuals he encountered worldwide and emphasized his unwavering drive for the future.
Regrettably, injuries curtailed Raonic’s career, with a lingering shoulder injury in 2025 preventing him from staging a potential comeback. As he bids farewell to professional tennis, Raonic leaves behind a legacy as a distinguished ambassador and one of the premier servers of the Open Era.