Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 12: Former world No. 3 Milos Raonic announced his retirement from professional tennis on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned nearly 20 years. The 35-year-old Canadian, whose progress was repeatedly hampered by injuries in recent seasons, has not competed on the tour for over a year.

Confirming the decision in an emotional post on X, Raonic said stepping away from the sport was inevitable, even if never easy. He described tennis as both his passion and lifelong obsession, noting that the game had shaped his childhood, career, and identity.

Raonic reflected on his unlikely journey into the sport, recalling how he first picked up a racquet at the age of eight by chance. What began as a childhood interest eventually evolved into a professional career at the highest level, allowing him to chase and fulfil his ambitions on the global stage.

During his career, Raonic won eight ATP Tour titles and established himself as one of the most formidable servers of his generation. His standout season came in 2016, when he reached the Wimbledon final after a memorable semi-final victory over Roger Federer. That year also saw him make the semi-finals of the Australian Open and the ATP Finals, finish runner-up at Indian Wells, and end the season at a career-best ranking of No. 3.

Raonic’s final competitive appearance came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was edged out in a closely fought first-round match by Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.

Expressing gratitude, Raonic thanked fans around the world for their support, saying they witnessed both his finest moments and his toughest battles on court. He also paid tribute to his coaches and support staff, acknowledging the personal sacrifices they made while travelling with him in pursuit of shared goals.

With his retirement, Raonic leaves behind a legacy as one of Canada’s most successful tennis players and a key figure in the country’s rise on the international tennis scene.