The tennis world bid farewell to one of its most powerful servers and Canadian sporting icons on January 12, 2026, as Milos Raonic announced his retirement from professional tennis. The decision marks the end of an 18-year journey that fundamentally changed the landscape of Canadian tennis and inspired a generation of players from the Great White North.

Raonic, who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his eight ATP titles. He was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, becoming the first Canadian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final when he battled his way to the championship match at Wimbledon in 2016.

That magical fortnight at the All England Club remains the crowning achievement of Raonic's career. En route to the final, he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career by defeating the legendary Roger Federer in the semifinals, a victory that announced his arrival among the sport's elite. Though he ultimately fell to Andy Murray in the final, Raonic had already etched his name into Canadian tennis history.

The Montenegro-born, Ontario-raised player built his game around one of the most formidable serves in tennis history. His booming delivery regularly exceeded 140 miles per hour and became the foundation upon which he constructed his attacking style of play. Opponents knew what was coming but were often powerless to stop it.

Raonic's consistency at the highest level was remarkable. He reached at least the quarterfinals in 10 Grand Slam tournaments throughout his career, compiling an impressive 92-37 record at major championships. That winning percentage of over 70 percent at Grand Slams speaks to his ability to perform when the stakes were highest.

However, injuries became an increasingly cruel companion throughout the latter stages of his career. The physical demands of professional tennis took their toll on his body, and a shoulder injury sustained in 2025 ultimately prevented any hopes of a comeback. His last competitive match came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing Canada on the international stage one final time.

Raonic's impact on Canadian tennis cannot be overstated. He helped pave the way for the current generation of Canadian players who have since climbed to the top of the rankings. His success demonstrated that players from Canada could compete with and defeat the very best in the world, fundamentally shifting perceptions about what was possible for tennis players from his country.

At 35, Raonic departs the sport with his head held high. While injuries robbed fans of what might have been additional years of watching his thunderous serve and aggressive baseline game, the memories he created will endure. From his breakthrough performances to his historic Wimbledon run, Raonic gave Canadian tennis fans moments they will cherish forever.

As he transitions to the next chapter of his life, the tennis community extends its gratitude to a player who gave everything to the sport. Milos Raonic may be hanging up his racket, but his legacy as a pioneer of Canadian tennis is permanently secured.