Milos Raonic out of French Open and focused on grass

Canada’s Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the French Open to work on being “in the best position” for the grass-court season next month.

The 27-year-old, ranked No.28 after peaking at No.3 two years ago, last played in Madrid, where he lost to fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov on May 10th.

That defeat saw Raonic’s eight-year reign as Canadian number one come to and end as teenager Shapovalov overtook him in the rankings.

Raonic, a former quarterfinalist in Paris, will now skip the second Grand slam tournament of the year, which begins on Sunday, and focus on the grass.

He reached his only major final to date at Wimbledon in 2016, losing to Andy Murray.

It is with a heavy heart that I am withdrawing from @rolandgarros. I have many great memories there, but I know I need to continue working hard to put myself in the best position when I step out on the court. Thank you all for your support and see you soon on the grass.

— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) May 20, 2018

Raonic ended his 2017 season in October to recover from a year beset by injuries, including to his leg, wrist and calf.

After impressing as he reached the Indian Wells semifinals and Miami quarterfinals in March, he withdrew from his quarterfinal in Monte Carlo with a knee problem.

Raonic joins Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on the injured list for Roland Garros, while Juan Martin del Potro is a major doubt and Roger Federer is skipping the entire clay-court season.