In a disappointing turn of events for Canadian tennis fans, Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal due to a shoulder injury. The announcement came just hours before Raonic was set to play his opening match on Tuesday evening.
Raonic, a former world No. 3, expressed his frustration and disappointment during a press conference. “I tried to warm up for my match today, but the most difficult thing was to serve,” Raonic said. “I don’t think I would have been able to be competitive by any means. I can manage a lot of things, but without serving, that would be a tough day for me.”
The injury, which Raonic initially felt upon returning to hard courts after the clay season, has prevented him from competing at his home country’s largest tennis tournament. This withdrawal is particularly poignant as it may be Raonic’s last opportunity to play in Montreal. “I haven’t played here in five years, and I don’t know if I’ll ever come back to Montreal,” he admitted.
Raonic’s absence is a significant blow to the tournament, which will now see thirteenth seed Holger Rune face a lucky loser in place of Raonic. The Canadian tennis star, who grew up in Brampton, Ontario, has had a career marked by both remarkable highs and challenging injuries. His most recent appearance was at the Paris Olympics, where he lost his opening singles match.
As Raonic undergoes further tests to assess the extent of his shoulder injury, fans and fellow players alike are left hoping for his swift recovery. “I’m just trying to not be too bummed out about it,” Raonic said, reflecting on the situation.
The National Bank Open continues in Montreal, running until August 12, with tickets still available for those wishing to catch the remaining matches.
Milos Raonic in 2024
Currently ranked no.180, the Canadian played his last match on the 28th of July when he surrendered to world no.82 Dominik Koepfer 6-7(2) 7-6(5) 7-6(1) in the 1st round in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season Milos has achieved a compiled 6-5 win-loss record.
He is also scheduled to play at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). The main draw will start on the 26th of August.