Casper Ruud Withdraws from US Open Due to Back Injury

Casper Ruud announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Open on Sunday due to a back injury. The Norwegian, who was the No. 19 seed, had faced health concerns leading up to the tournament. He retired during the second set of his opening match at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month but participated in the mixed doubles event during U.S. Open Fan Week, reaching the quarterfinals alongside Diana Shnaider. Ruud stated on Instagram, "Unfortunately, my back hasn’t healed as quickly as we had hoped. 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 thanked his fans for their support and expressed his intention to recover properly. Ruud was scheduled to compete against Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Tuesday, but Arthur Gea will now take his place. Ruud, a former World No. 2, reached the final at the U.S. Open four years ago and has had mixed results this year, reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but being eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon.