Casper Ruud, the No. 19 seed at the U.S. Open, has withdrawn from the singles tournament due to a back injury, organizers announced Sunday.
Ruud revealed his decision via Instagram, stating that his back has not healed as rapidly as anticipated. "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," he wrote. "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."
He added that he would take the necessary time to recover and return stronger. Ruud had been scheduled to play Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his opening match on Tuesday. Arthur Gea will now take Ruud's place in the draw as a lucky loser.
Questions about Ruud's health had surfaced prior to the tournament. Earlier in August, he retired during his opening match at the Cincinnati Open due to a similar issue. He did participate in the mixed doubles event during U.S. Open Fan Week, playing alongside Diana Shnaider, though he appeared to be hampered at times.
Ruud, a former World No. 2, reached the U.S. Open final four years ago. He joins Jannik Sinner as another notable player to withdraw from this year's event. Ruud's 2024 Grand Slam performance included reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, and a first-round exit at Wimbledon.
