Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Raonic expressed the emotional difficulty of this decision, saying, “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 was marked by significant achievements, including his appearance in the 2016 Wimbledon final, where he faced off against Andy Murray but ultimately lost in straight sets. He also reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2014 and the 2016 Australian Open, showcasing his talent on some of the sport’s biggest stages. However, after a series of injuries that hampered his performance in recent years, Raonic has decided to conclude his professional journey.
Support from Fellow Players
Following the announcement, former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori publicly extended his congratulations to Raonic. On social media, 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 players within the sport.
Raonic’s last competitive appearance came during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was eliminated in the first round by Dominik Koepfer of Germany. His final victory occurred earlier that year at Queen’s, where he triumphed over home favourite Cameron Norrie.
Rivalry with Nishikori
Throughout their careers, Raonic and Nishikori faced each other seven times at tour-level events, with Nishikori leading their head-to-head record at 5-2. Their first clash took place in the 2012 Japan Open final, where Nishikori emerged victorious in front of a supportive home crowd, setting the tone for their competitive rivalry.
Raonic managed to secure his first win against Nishikori later that year at Wimbledon. Despite this, Nishikori continued to dominate their encounters, winning their subsequent matches at the US Open and another Japan Open final. Raonic’s last victory over Nishikori came in the 2015 Brisbane semifinal, but Nishikori claimed the last match in their rivalry during the Davis Cup later that year.
Raonic’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has inspired many with his resilience and talent on the court. As he embarks on this new chapter, the support from fellow athletes like Nishikori underscores the strong bonds formed through shared experiences in the world of tennis.
