Tennis Star Announces Retirement Days Before Australian Open

A former top 10 player and Wimbledon finalist has announced his retirement from tennis just days before the Australian Open.

While qualifying for the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season is already underway, the Australian Open singles event is set to begin on Sunday.

Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys head into the tournament as the defending champions after their triumphs in 2025.

Meanwhile, the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff will be looking to clinch glory in Melbourne.

Last week, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios stated that he will not take part in the singles event at this year's Australian Open, instead, he is set to play doubles with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, the pair won the title back in 2022.

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The Australian Open kicks off this weekend. Image: Getty

Ahead of the Australian Open, former men's world number three and 2016 Wimbledon finalist, Milos Raonic, announced his retirement from tennis.

In a lengthy statement on social media, the 35-year-old wrote: "The time has come, I am retiring from tennis. 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. Tennis has been my love and obsession for most of my life.

"I have been the luckiest person to get to live out and fulfill my dreams. I got to show up every day and focus on just getting better, seeing where that will take me, and playing a game I was introduced to at 8 years old by complete luck. Somehow, this became my entire obsession and childhood, and then became my profession and life."

Raonic added: "I am thankful for the incredible fans I got to compete and practice in front of all over the world. They got to see me shining at my brightest and managing the hardest of moments on the court. They got to see me grow up. Thank you to each and every one who stopped, even for a moment, to watch and support me."

Milos Raonic has retired from tennis. Image: Getty

The Canadian went on to thank his coaches, the ATP Tour, the ITF, the Grand Slams, colleagues and opponents.

Raonic has dealt with injury problems throughout his career, and last played in 2024 when he lost in the Paris Olympics against Germany's Dominik Koepfer.

In total, Raonic won eight singles titles, including the Brisbane International and the Washington Open. He also reached the Wimbledon final back in 2016, but lost to Andy Murray.

Known for having one of the best serves on the tour, Raonic set a record of hitting the most aces in an ATP three-set match back in 2024, when he registered 47 in a win over Cameron Norrie at Queen's. The previous record of 45 was set by Ivo Karlovic back in 2015.