Casper Ruud Withdraws From US Open With Back Injury, 2022 Finalist Out Before First Match

Casper Ruud’s US Open campaign came to an early end on Sunday after the 2022 runner-up withdrew from the Grand Slam tournament with a back injury.

Ruud, currently ranked No. 20 in the world, was scheduled to begin his campaign in New York but pulled out before his opening-round match. His withdrawal comes after the Norwegian was forced to retire during his first-round match at the recent Cincinnati Open because of the same injury concern.

The 27-year-old had remained involved at Flushing Meadows, competing in the mixed doubles event, but concerns over his fitness grew after videos from practice appeared to show him struggling to serve.

Ruud’s withdrawal opened a place in the singles draw for French qualifier Arthur Gea, who lost in the final round of qualifying but was promoted into the main draw. Gea will now face Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first round.

The Norwegian has enjoyed some of the biggest moments of his career at Grand Slam tournaments, particularly in 2022. He reached his first major final at the French Open, where he lost to 14-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Later that year, Ruud reached the US Open final, defeating several tough opponents before facing Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match. Alcaraz prevailed in four sets, denying Ruud a maiden Grand Slam title.

Ruud’s 2022 breakthrough made him the first Norwegian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final, and he had been hoping to make another deep run in New York this year.

His withdrawal is another setback for the former world No. 2 as he continues to manage the physical problems that have interrupted his season.