Casper Ruud, the 2022 US Open runner-up, has pulled out of this year’s tournament with a back injury that has not healed in time.
Third major withdrawal since 2020
The Norwegian withdrew on the opening day of the tournament, troubled by a back issue that forced him to retire from his last singles match at the Cincinnati Masters. It is the third time Ruud has pulled out of a major event since 2020, having skipped the 2022 Australian Open with an ankle injury and Wimbledon last year with a knee issue.
What Ruud said
“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.”
Season so far
Ruud holds a 25-16 win-loss record this season but has yet to win a title, with his best result a run to the Italian Masters final in May. He did take part in mixed doubles alongside Diana Shnaider earlier in the week, winning their opener before falling in the quarter-finals.
Who replaces him
Lucky loser Arthur Gea, the top seed in qualifying, takes Ruud’s place in the main draw. The withdrawal reshuffles a US Open draw that has already seen Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka advance in opening-round action.
