Wimbledon 2024: Former Finalist Who Once Thrashed Roger Federer Refuses to Play Qualifiers After Wild Card Snub

It might be fate that both finalists of the 2016 Wimbledon Open are absent in 2024 for one reason or the other. While Andy Murray recovers from back surgery, famous for defeating Roger Federer in the semifinals at the 2016 Wimbledon, Milos Raonic has refused to enter the Wimbledon Open through qualifiers, after he was denied a wild card entry.

In a recent update by the tennis commentator, José Morgado on X confirmed the absence of the 2016 Wimbledon finalist. Not surprised by this incredulous decision of the authorities, he posted on X, “Wow, Raonic didn’t get a main draw wild card and decided not to play qualies either.” Had Raonic opted to enter Wimbledon through qualifiers, he would have to compete in 2-3 more matches before the main draw. This might cause trouble for the 33-year-old, as he is struggling to find his form after a two-year-long hiatus due to injury.

Moreover, the season has been anything but smooth for the Canadian as he had to withdraw from the Australian Open 2024, due to issues with his hip. He had entered the Queen’s Club with the hopes to play Wimbledon (maybe for the last time). However, if the situation stays as it is, Raonic would be a no-show. Morgado, confirming the same, said, “unless there is some last-minute change from the AELTCR.”

The Grass Slam has come under tennis fans’ scrutiny for denying the wild card to former champions and finalists. Venus Williams and Simona Halep belong to the long list of players who were hoping to enter the tournament this way. Most of the wild card entries have been granted to local players, barring a few players. With this, Raonic joins Murray, Thiem & Schwartzman as the three players would not be entering the main draw of the Grass Slam. Despite doubts about his participation after back surgery, Murray is yet to recall his name.

This might have been the last Grand Slam for the 33-year-old, as he had been a no-show in the circuit for long. However, before sitting out due to a host of injuries – Achilles pain, ankle, calf, knee and broken toe issues and even a dose of COVID- 19, Raonic had a great form on the tennis court. The Canadian may not have any Grand Slam title to his name. But he can proudly boast his semifinal feat at the 2016 Wimbledon Open, where he slayed Roger Federer’, who might have won his 9th Wimbledon there. However, what followed post fateful semifinal changed the flow of Federer’s career.

The fateful Wimbledon Semifinal against Milos Raonic which initiated the beginning of the end for Roger Federer

Roger Federer vividly remembers the loss after which he was unable to return to the court at his full capacity. In the end, he withdrew from professional tennis altogether at the Laver Cup 2022. It was this fateful match against Milos Raonic, which made Federer reach his limits. Though a memorable anecdote for Raonic as he was the last person to defeat the Swiss tennis great at a major.

After making a heartbreaking exit, Federer went on with a relaxed day with his kids. However, the aftermath was devastating as while doing his parental duties, bathing his daughter, Federer’s knee, gave out. And was rushed into surgery as the next course of action. Which culminated in his retirement at the Laver Cup.

A happy day for Raonic, a sad day for Federer, and a fateful day in the history of tennis. However, it all worked out as time went on!