Casper Ruud has pulled out of the US Open on the opening day of the tournament after failing to recover from injury.
Ruud, who was runner-up at Flushing Meadows in 2022, has been troubled by a back injury that forced him to retire from his last singles match at the Cincinnati Masters. The Norwegian did take part in the mixed doubles event earlier this week alongside Diana Shnaider, with the duo winning their opening before losing in the quarter-finals. Shortly after this, Ruud wrote on Instagram, ‘now it’s all about singles.’
However, there were reports in recent days that the 27-year-old was seen struggling with his movement on the court during practice sessions. It is only the third time Ruud has pulled out of a major event since 2020. He didn’t play at the 2022 Australian Open due to an ankle injury and he missed Wimbledon last year due to a knee issue.
“Unfortunately, my back hasn’t healed as quickly as we had hoped,” Ruud wrote on Instagram. “We’ve been optimistic that I would recover in time, but my team and I have decided that we need to think long term and give my body the time it needs.
“I’m very sad to announce that I have to withdraw from this year’s US Open singles event. It’s never easy to miss a Grand Slam, but I know this is the right decision.
“I’ll take the time I need to recover properly and come back stronger.”
Replacing Ruud in the draw will be lucky loser Arthur Gea, who was the top seed in qualifying but lost in the third round to Nishesh Basavareddy. He will play Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the main draw.
Ruud has a win-loss record of 25-16 so far this season, but has yet to win a title. His best result was a run to the final of the Italian Masters in May.
