Milos Raonic Retires With a Back Injury at Montreal Open 2019

Canadian No.1, Milos Raonic has had an injury-prone season and career. Raonic is yet to finish a tournament healthy this season. He has played just 10 events in 2019 prior to Montreal because of back and knee problems. After recovering from the knee ailment, the 28-year-old struggled with his back before coming to the Canadian Open 2019. However, he still decided to participate in Montreal.

Raonic was off to the second round of the Rogers Cup after beating Lucas Pouille in straight sets in the opening round. However, injury once again became an issue for Milos Raonic as he was forced to withdraw from the round-of 32 matches against his compatriot, Felix-Auger Aliassime with intense back pain, on Wednesday night.

Raonic lost the opening set 6-3 before he got his back worked on a trainer when he was leading 4-1 in the second set. The world No.19 battled hard to claim the set 6-3. However, after having a word with the doctor shortly after the completion of the second set, Milos Raonic shook hands with Felix in front of their home crowd. 

In the post-match interview, Milos Raonic explained about the awkward tension on his back that he felt through the second set. He said, “The last 30 mins are probably the least fun I have ever had on a tennis court. Today was more painful than it’s been in a long time. But it hasn’t been the most enjoyable season so far.” 

“I just keep trying to pinpoint, figure out what the right step is,” Raonic said. “I keep getting assured there’s nothing extensively serious about the back.”

Earlier, Milos Raonic revealed that his back was bothering him at Washington Open 2019, last week. He suggested that his back troubles him when he gets tired on the court but it is nothing too serious.

He said in a statement after his surprise exit from the round of 16 of the Citi Open, “What happens in the matches is I get a little bit tired and then the back just sort of goes out of bounds and it sort of stiffens up on me. Had some work done on it now, overall nothing to worry about”