Milos Raonic, the Canadian tennis star known for his powerful serve and tenacious court presence, has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35, closing the chapter on a remarkable and influential career. His departure not only marks the end of a significant era in Canadian sports but also invites reflection on the journey of one of tennis’s most formidable competitors.
Raonic turned professional in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2011 that he began making waves on the ATP Tour. Over the next decade, he amassed a total of eight ATP singles titles, a testament to his consistent high-level play. His baseline game combined with an explosive serve made him a difficult opponent to handle, particularly on faster surfaces. This explosive serve was often cited as one of the strongest in the sport, capable of regularly exceeding speeds of 230 km/h (143 mph), and it became one of Raonic’s defining weapons.
One of the highlights of Raonic’s career came at Wimbledon in 2016, when he became the first Canadian man to reach a Grand Slam final. This achievement was a watershed moment not only for Raonic personally but for Canadian tennis, traditionally overshadowed by other countries. Although he ultimately lost in the final to Andy Murray, the run elevated Raonic internationally and underscored his position among the world’s best. This feat was part of a breakthrough year where Raonic reached the ATP Finals and achieved his career-high world ranking of No. 3 by the end of the 2016 season—an extraordinary rise reflecting his perseverance and skill.
Raonic also made significant runs in other Grand Slam tournaments. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open twice, in 2016 and 2018, showcasing his adaptability across different surfaces. Throughout his career, he was known for his resilience, surviving tough matches with a mix of mental grit and sheer power.
His journey wasn’t just a story of on-court success; Raonic’s path to tennis stardom was shaped by a blend of natural talent and relentless dedication. Born in Podgorica, Montenegro, Raonic moved to Canada at a young age, where he began playing tennis at eight. His rise in the sport was neither instant nor easy; instead, it was a steady climb defined by discipline and determination. While many elite tennis players often come from tennis-rich families or nations, Raonic’s ascent was particularly impressive given Canada’s emerging tennis infrastructure during his formative years.
His coach, Carlos Moyá—himself a former world No. 1 and French Open champion—played a pivotal role in refining Raonic’s game later in his career, helping him improve his movement, variety, and mental approach. This partnership added another layer to Raonic’s evolution as a competitor.
Raonic’s on-court style was emblematic of the modern power player, blending physical strength with cutting-edge technique. Yet, he was also known for his humility and thoughtful presence off the court, engaging in various philanthropic efforts and serving as a role model for Canadian athletes.
A defining moment towards the end of his professional journey came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Raonic played his farewell match. Despite a hard-fought loss to Dominik Koepfer in a thrilling three-setter, the match symbolized the closing chapter of a career filled with memorable battles and personal triumphs.
Looking beyond tennis, Raonic has expressed excitement for the challenges ahead. He credits the sport not only for his identity but for the opportunities it afforded him: “Tennis has been my love and obsession for most of my life,” he reflected. His transition from professional play promises new avenues, whether in sports commentary, mentorship, philanthropy, or entirely new passions.
Raonic’s legacy is more than his rankings or titles; it is the barrier he broke through for Canadian men in tennis. His Grand Slam final appearance paved the way for a host of Canadian players now making their marks, such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, who continue to build on the foundation he set. As Canadian tennis experiences a golden generation, Raonic’s contributions will be remembered as a crucial chapter in that ongoing story.
In retiring, Milos Raonic leaves behind not just records and highlights but an inspiring narrative of courage, perseverance, and growth. His powerful serve and determined heart will remain etched in tennis history, and as he steps into the next phase of life, fans and fellow competitors alike will watch with anticipation for the new “aces” he is sure to deliver off the court.