Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Raonic expressed the emotional weight of his decision, stating, “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.”
Raonic’s career boasts significant achievements, including reaching the final at Wimbledon in 2016, where he faced Andy Murray and lost in straight sets. He also reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2014 and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in 2016. Unfortunately, persistent injuries over recent years have influenced his decision to retire.
Support from Fellow Players
Following Raonic’s announcement, former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori reached out on social media to congratulate him on his career. Nishikori wrote, “Congrats on an amazing career @milosraonic! We played some incredible matches that have a special memory in my heart. Good luck in this next chapter of your life.” This message highlights the camaraderie and respect shared among professional athletes.
Raonic’s last appearance on the professional circuit occurred at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he exited in the first round after a loss to Dominik Koepfer of Germany. His final victory was at the Queen’s Tournament in June 2024, where he defeated home favorite Cameron Norrie.
Rivalry with Nishikori
Throughout their careers, Raonic and Nishikori faced each other a total of seven times, with Nishikori leading their head-to-head record at 5-2. Their first meeting occurred during the 2012 Japan Open final, where Nishikori triumphed. Raonic secured his first victory over Nishikori later that same year at Wimbledon. Their rivalry included several memorable matches, with Nishikori winning their most recent encounter at the Davis Cup in 2015.
As Raonic steps away from competitive tennis, he leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience and determination. His contributions to the sport, particularly as a Canadian athlete, have inspired many aspiring players. Moving forward, Raonic expressed his eagerness to embrace new challenges and experiences beyond the tennis court.
