Raonic out of US Open

NEW YORK – Canadian Milos Raonic has had his fair share of injuries, that’s for sure.

But he’s usually been lucky enough not to miss a Grand Slam.

The 26-year-old’s luck ran out this time, as the left wrist issue that hampered him in Montreal and forced him to miss the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati last week will also keep him out of the US Open.

“I have tried everything in my power to rehabilitate this injury in time for the US Open in order to play an event that is so truly special to me. However, the pain is too great and, in consultation with my doctors, I am left with no option but to withdraw from the event,” Raonic announced on Instagram.

Raonic also said that he underwent a procedure Tuesday to remove portions of the bone that have been causing the discomfort.

He said he has “too much respect for the US Open and my fellow competitors to take a spot in the draw when I know I cannot give full effort due to this injury.”

Raonic said he’s already back in the gym starting rehab, and hopes to be back on court in a few weeks.

“I look forward to rejoining the tour healthier and stronger and finishing the 2017 season in proper form,” he wrote.

Other big events on tap

Raonic made no mention in his note about two other major upcoming events on his schedule.

Canada plays Indian in a crucial World Group playoff tie in just over three weeks in Edmonton, Alberta.

And right after that, Raonic is due to lead Team “rest of the world” against Team Europe in the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague.

Raonic’s absence just adds to the top-10 woes at this event with Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori also out (all of them for the season).

His absence will give a lucky loser a spot in the draw. And it also will move Juan Martin del Potro up to the No. 24 seed. And that means he can avoid the top eight seeds in a potential third-round match.

It also means that Robin Haase of the Netherlands squeezes into a seeded spot in the draw.

Raonic had been scheduled to be the No. 8 seed. Now, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (who hasn’t done much of late) will get that seed.