Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Future Uncertain as Shock Withdrawals Spark Retirement Fears

Widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career appears to be at a crossroads. The 49-year-old has not competed since the Championship League in January, where he made headlines for smashing his cue during a loss to Robert Milkins before withdrawing from the tournament. Since then, he has pulled out of multiple major events, raising concerns among fans that his time at the top may be coming to an end.

O’Sullivan’s absence has been notable, with withdrawals from the Masters, Welsh Open, German Masters, World Open, and World Grand Prix. His failure to qualify for the upcoming Players Championship and Tour Championship only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Currently, he is not scheduled to compete again until the Snooker World Championship at the Crucible in 2025, but doubts remain over whether he will participate in the sport’s biggest event.

Initially, O’Sullivan was open about why he withdrew from the Masters, explaining during his work as a BBC pundit that a demanding three-week tour across the Far East and Saudi Arabia had left him exhausted. That remains the official reason for his continued absence, but he has not spoken publicly on the matter since.

Throughout his career, O’Sullivan has dealt with mental health struggles, including bouts of depression and past drug-related issues. In 2011, he began working with psychiatrist and sports psychologist Steve Peters, crediting that relationship for helping him manage the pressures of professional snooker. However, his recent withdrawals and extended time away from the game have reignited speculation about whether retirement is looming.

O’Sullivan has previously threatened to retire on multiple occasions and even took a season-long break in 2012/13. The 2023 documentary Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything highlighted how nerves and anxiety still impact him, even during his biggest triumphs, such as his 2022 World Championship victory over Judd Trump.

Despite his legendary status, even O’Sullivan would face a massive challenge stepping into the World Championship without proper preparation. If he decides against competing, it could be a sign that the snooker icon is finally ready to walk away from the game that he has dominated for decades.