With the US Open in less than three weeks, the best in tennis are scrambling to prepare for the last Grand Slam of the year. However, Canadian star Milos Raonic suffered a setback on the road to Flushing Meadows.

The 30-year-old has withdrawn from the upcoming Cincinnati Open due to injury. This marks another low in the Canadiens’ injury-filled 2021 season.

Milos Raonic withdraws from 2021 Cincinnati Open

The 30-year-old was one of the best prospects in Canadian tennis since turning pro in 2008. During his career, Raonic reached the semifinals of the 2016 Australian Open before reaching the final at Wimbledon the same year. With a string of outstanding performances, he reached his highest career singles ranking in Year 3.

Since then, he has suffered from several injuries throughout his career, and the 2021 season is no exception. In fact, the Australian Open earlier this year is the Canadian’s only Grand Slam appearance. Although he won the first three games, he lost to future champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Moreover, he has only played one game since his loss to Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open in March. Although he is expected to return to action at the Cincinnati Open this week, his injury setbacks have halted his return to the field.

A few weeks before the US Open, this Withdrawal throws a huge key in the preparation of the Canadian.

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Will Raonic arrive at the US Open?

Raonic faces a race against time to be fit by August 30 for the hard court Grand Slam. However, the Cincinnati Open is the last chance for players to hone their fitness and gameplay before the US Open.

Therefore, Raonic might find the challenge difficult even if he gets to Flushing Meadows on time. Ranked No. 23 in the world, the odds seem against the Canadian to make it to the US Open given his injury history.

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