Milos Raonic Announces Retirement at 35, Brings an End to Illustrious Tennis Career
Milos Raonic, one of Canada’s most celebrated tennis players, has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35, bringing an influential and accomplished career to a close after nearly two decades on the ATP Tour. The former world No. 3 shared the news on social media, thanking fans, family and colleagues for their unwavering support, while reflecting on a sport that shaped both his career and personal life.
Nicknamed “Missile” for his devastating serve, Raonic turned professional in 2008 and quickly established himself as one of the most feared servers in men’s tennis. Over the course of his career, he won eight ATP singles titles and earned more than $20 million in prize money. His powerful playing style and imposing on-court presence made him a fan favourite and a central figure in Canadian tennis history.
The peak of Raonic’s career came in 2016, a breakthrough season that saw him reach the Wimbledon final and the semi-finals of the Australian Open. At Wimbledon, he produced a memorable run, defeating several elite opponents before losing to Andy Murray in a fiercely contested championship match. That season also helped Raonic achieve a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 3, the highest ever attained by a Canadian male player at the time.
Raonic’s serve, consistently among the fastest on the ATP Tour, along with his aggressive game style, helped redefine expectations for big-serving players in the modern era. His ability to dominate points with raw power allowed him to remain competitive against the sport’s biggest names, even during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll in the latter stages of his career. Recurring physical issues, including foot and Achilles tendon problems, sidelined him for extended periods and limited his consistency at the highest level. Although he made occasional returns to the tour, Raonic’s last full season came in 2024. His final tour-level appearance was a first-round match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a defeat to Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.
In his retirement announcement, Raonic admitted that while he had always known this moment would arrive, one “never feels ready” for it. He described tennis as both his “love and obsession” and expressed gratitude for having lived out his childhood dream. Raonic also hinted at his desire to explore new passions and chapters in life now that his professional playing career has come to an end.
Beyond titles and rankings, Milos Raonic’s legacy lies in the pathway he helped forge for Canadian tennis. His success on the global stage raised the sport’s profile in Canada and inspired a new generation of players, including stars such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov. Many within the tennis community credit Raonic as a catalyst behind Canada’s growing presence in international tennis.
As he steps away from competition, tributes from fellow players and fans have poured in, celebrating a career defined by power, perseverance and passion. While Raonic’s retirement marks the end of an era, his contributions to tennis particularly in Canada ensure his impact will be felt for years to come.
Nicknamed “Missile” for his devastating serve, Raonic turned professional in 2008 and quickly established himself as one of the most feared servers in men’s tennis. Over the course of his career, he won eight ATP singles titles and earned more than $20 million in prize money. His powerful playing style and imposing on-court presence made him a fan favourite and a central figure in Canadian tennis history.
The peak of Raonic’s career came in 2016, a breakthrough season that saw him reach the Wimbledon final and the semi-finals of the Australian Open. At Wimbledon, he produced a memorable run, defeating several elite opponents before losing to Andy Murray in a fiercely contested championship match. That season also helped Raonic achieve a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 3, the highest ever attained by a Canadian male player at the time.
Raonic’s serve, consistently among the fastest on the ATP Tour, along with his aggressive game style, helped redefine expectations for big-serving players in the modern era. His ability to dominate points with raw power allowed him to remain competitive against the sport’s biggest names, even during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll in the latter stages of his career. Recurring physical issues, including foot and Achilles tendon problems, sidelined him for extended periods and limited his consistency at the highest level. Although he made occasional returns to the tour, Raonic’s last full season came in 2024. His final tour-level appearance was a first-round match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a defeat to Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.
In his retirement announcement, Raonic admitted that while he had always known this moment would arrive, one “never feels ready” for it. He described tennis as both his “love and obsession” and expressed gratitude for having lived out his childhood dream. Raonic also hinted at his desire to explore new passions and chapters in life now that his professional playing career has come to an end.
Beyond titles and rankings, Milos Raonic’s legacy lies in the pathway he helped forge for Canadian tennis. His success on the global stage raised the sport’s profile in Canada and inspired a new generation of players, including stars such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov. Many within the tennis community credit Raonic as a catalyst behind Canada’s growing presence in international tennis.
As he steps away from competition, tributes from fellow players and fans have poured in, celebrating a career defined by power, perseverance and passion. While Raonic’s retirement marks the end of an era, his contributions to tennis particularly in Canada ensure his impact will be felt for years to come.
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