Milos Raonic Retires: Career, Injuries and Legacy

Career-high singles ranking: World No. 3 ·
Grand Slam finals: 1 (2016 Wimbledon) ·
ATP singles titles: 8 ·
Height: 6’5″ (196 cm) ·
Turned pro: 2008 ·
Retirement year: 2026

Eight key numbers that define the career of Milos Raonic, spanning his rise from junior prodigy to Wimbledon finalist.

Is Milos Raonic retired from tennis?

Official announcement

Milos Raonic officially announced his retirement from professional tennis in January 2026 at age 35. The statement, released through the ATP Tour, read in part: “The time has come to say goodbye to professional tennis” (ATP Tour (official governing body)). He confirmed that his 18-year career had come to a close after a series of injuries prevented him from competing at the level he expected.

Date of retirement

The retirement was made public on January 12, 2026. Raonic had not played a competitive match since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost in the first round to Dominik Koepfer (ESPN). That layoff of over a year underscored the physical toll that forced his decision.

The implication: Raonic’s departure leaves a void that may be filled by the next wave of Canadian talent, but his influence on the sport will endure.

Why did Milos Raonic retire?

Injury history

Raonic’s body became his biggest obstacle after his peak season in 2016. He suffered persistent foot and Achilles tendon problems beginning in 2021, which sidelined him for more than two full seasons (Tennis.com (tennis journalism)). A short-lived comeback in 2024 ended after just a few events, including his Olympic appearance. The physical toll of the sport’s travel and the demands of his serve-and-volley game likely accelerated the wear.

Decline in ranking

Once ranked as high as No. 3, Raonic had fallen outside the top 100 by the time of his retirement. The ATP Tour ranking system punishes extended absences, and Raonic’s sporadic appearances after 2018 meant he could never regain the points needed to climb back into the elite tier.

What happened with Milos Raonic?

Recent matches

Raonic’s last ATP match was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost to Dominik Koepfer in a three-set battle: 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-7(1) (Tennis.com). That match was part of a brief comeback after a year-long layoff. He had attempted to return earlier in 2024 but played only a handful of events before shutting down.

Long absences

The 2018–2022 period was marked by multiple injury-related withdrawals. After reaching the Wimbledon final in 2016, Raonic never again advanced past the quarterfinals of a major. The injuries — foot, back, hamstring — eroded his mobility and, ultimately, his confidence to compete at the highest level (The Japan Times (international news)).

Is Milos Raonic coming back to tennis?

John Isner’s claim

Shortly after the retirement news, fellow big-server John Isner commented that Raonic “could still be a top-50 player if healthy” (ESPN (sports journalism)). Isner’s remark reflects a common view that Raonic’s serve remained elite; the question was always the body.

Raonic’s own words

In his retirement statement, Raonic expressed gratitude but offered no hint of a possible return. He described the decision as final: “The time has come to say goodbye.” No exhibition matches or coaching roles have been confirmed, though he has been linked to Tennis Clubs of Canada as a potential investor or mentor (The Japan Times).

The implication: Raonic’s retirement statement leaves the door open for off-court roles, but his playing days are definitively over.

Will Milos Raonic play tennis again?

Exhibition prospects

As of now, Raonic has not announced any exhibition appearances. Many retired players participate in legends events, but Raonic has not indicated any interest. Given the physical reasons for his retirement, a competitive return at the ATP level appears unlikely.

Coaching or other roles

Raonic has a business degree and has been involved in off-court ventures. A future in coaching or tennis administration is plausible, but no formal announcement has been made. The uncertainty around his next chapter is typical for athletes who retire young but have multiple options.

Timeline of Milos Raonic’s career

• 2008: Turned professional (ATP Tour profile)
• 2011: Won first ATP title in San Jose (ATP Tour profile)
• July 2016: Reached Wimbledon final (lost to Andy Murray) — also defeated Roger Federer in the semifinal (ESPN)
• 2018–2022: Multiple injury setbacks; limited play (Tennis.com)
• January 2026: Announced retirement (ATP Tour)

The timeline shows a sharp peak in 2016 followed by a long tail of injury-forced inactivity. The gap between his last major result and his retirement is nearly a decade of physical struggle.

Quotes on Milos Raonic’s retirement

“The time has come to say goodbye to professional tennis.”

— Milos Raonic, retirement statement (ATP Tour)

“He could still be a top-50 player if healthy.”

— John Isner, former ATP player (ESPN)

Both quotes capture the duality of Raonic’s career: a player with undeniable talent whose body refused to cooperate.

For Canadian tennis, the challenge now is to build on the foundation Raonic laid — or risk seeing his pioneering run become a standalone chapter. With a new generation of players emerging, the legacy of the big-serving Montenegrin-born Canadian is secure, but the sport moves fast.

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