Milos Raonic derailed by injury again, retires from Australian Open clash with Alex de Minaur

A day after Matteo Berrettini withdrew from the Australian Open, another competitor whose body has let him down over the years was sadly struck by the injury bug again.

Former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic was providing Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur an opening-round test on Rod Laver Arena, but it was clear his health wasn’t at full strength. Nine games into the contest with the players on serve, he required a medical timeout.

The Canadian was treated for an apparent hip issue before resuming. He worked his way into a tie-break, where he edged out De Mianur after fighting off a set point at 5-6 by locating his trademark serve.

Always a cool customer, De Minaur shook off the disappointment and patiently waited to make his move on return. When an opportunity came knocking, he took his second break point to move ahead 4-2. Though he would see a 40-0 lead turn into ad-out when serving for the second set, the world No. 10 maintained his composure to level.

Two games into the third, with De Minaur leading 2-0, Raonic decided continuing was not an option. After being applauded off the court, the pain he was feeling could be seen when he made his way up the player tunnel staircase.

Raonic has missed 16 major tournaments since emerging on the scene at the 2010 US Open, though the bulk of those have come over the past five years. Last June, he returned from a near two-year absence after rehabbing an Achilles problem and a broken toe. He was making his first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021.

De Minaur officially advanced, 6-7 (6), 6-3, 2-0 ret. The 24-year-old, who scored victories over Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz at the United Cup, faces Matteo Arnaldi for a third-round berth.