Norwegian tennis professional Casper Ruud has withdrawn from the U.S. Open men’s singles tournament, citing a persistent back injury that has not healed as quickly as hoped. The announcement came on Sunday, shortly after the tournament began in New York.
Ruud, who was the runner‑up to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2022 U.S. Open final, will be replaced in the main draw by lucky loser Arthur Gea. Gea is slated to face Argentine qualifier Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in the opening round.
Injury History and Recent Play
Ruud, 27, previously retired during the second set of his Cincinnati Open match against Christopher O’Connell earlier this month after experiencing similar back discomfort. He later confirmed on Instagram that his back had not recovered sufficiently to compete at the demanding level of a Grand Slam.
“Unfortunately, my back hasn’t healed as quickly as we had hoped,” Ruud wrote. “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 U.S. Open singles event.”
He added, “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.”
Impact on the Tournament
Ruud’s withdrawal opens a spot for Arthur Gea, a lucky loser who earned his place after losing in the final round of qualifying. Gea will now have the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage, a chance that could prove pivotal for his career.
The U.S. Open, currently underway at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, continues to feature a strong field of competitors. While Ruud’s absence is a disappointment for his fans, the tournament’s schedule remains intact, and the competition proceeds as planned.
Recent Mixed Doubles Effort
In addition to his singles campaign, Ruud participated in the revamped mixed doubles event last week, partnering with Russian player Diana Shnaider. The pair reached the quarter‑finals before being eliminated by Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva.
Ruud’s decision to prioritize his health reflects a growing awareness among professional athletes about the long‑term consequences of playing through injuries. By stepping away now, he aims to preserve his career longevity and return to the tour in peak condition.
Looking Ahead
Fans and analysts will watch closely for updates on Ruud’s recovery timeline. The Norwegian has been a consistent presence in the top ten of the ATP rankings and is expected to make a strong comeback once fully healed.
For now, the U.S. Open will continue without one of its recent finalists, and the spotlight shifts to the remaining contenders vying for the championship title.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
