Just minutes after the start of the U.S. Open on Sunday, Casper Ruud announced that he was pulling out of the tournament due to a back injury.
Ruud had been the No. 19 seed heading into this year’s tournament in Flushing Meadows, but questions had persisted coming in about his health. The Norwegian retired during the second set of his opening match at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month, but had taken part in the mixed doubles event during U.S. Open Fan Week.
He reached the quarterfinals of the mixed doubles alongside Diana Shnaider, but he did seem to be hampered at times.
“Unfortunately, my back hasn’t healed as quickly as we had hoped,” Ruud wrote on Instagram, announcing his withdrawal. “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.”
He ended his message by thanking his fans for their support.
“I’ll take the time I need to recover properly and come back stronger. Thank you for all the support,” he wrote.
Ruud had been slated to begin his U.S. Open journey on Tuesday against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, but it will now be lucky loser Arthur Gea who will face Cerundolo.
Ruud is four years removed from reaching the final at the U.S. Open and the former World No. 2 is joining tennis star Jannik Sinner as someone who has had to pull out of this year’s tournament.
The 27-year-old has reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros this year, and was knocked out in the first round at Wimbledon.
