Former Finalist Casper Ruud Forced to Withdraw from US Open with Back Injury

The 2026 US Open draw has suffered a major blow on opening day as 2022 finalist Casper Ruud announced his withdrawal from the year's final Grand Slam due to a lingering back injury.

The Norwegian star, seeded 19th in New York, had been fighting ongoing lower back issues that originally forced an early retirement during his opening match at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. Despite attempting to manage the physical discomfort through shortened practice sessions and limited movement, Ruud was ultimately unfit to compete.

Highlights: Ruud's Early Exit & Draw Replacement

Ruud’s physical struggles were evident to court-side observers and media throughout the practice week in Flushing Meadows, making the last-minute decision an expected outcome for his team.

Troubled Build-Up: Ruud’s hard-court swing was derailed in Cincinnati after experiencing sharp lower back pain against Christopher O'Connell, forcing him off the court to prevent long-term damage.

Lucky Loser Entry: Frenchman Arthur Gea, who lost in the final round of qualifying, enters the main draw as a lucky loser to take Ruud’s spot.

First-Round Matchup: Gea will now step onto the court to face Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the opening round.

Impact on Ruud's 2026 Season

Missing Flushing Meadows marks a painful end to the Grand Slam calendar for the 27-year-old former World No. 2. Having reached the final in New York four years ago, Ruud's baseline grind and endurance rely heavily on core strength and back flexibility—areas directly compromised by his current lumbar inflammation.

Ruud is expected to return to Europe for comprehensive physical rehabilitation before deciding on his availability for the upcoming Asian swing and indoor hard-court season.

My Analysis & Prediction

Tactical Takeaway: Casper Ruud’s decision to pull out before his first-round match is a smart long-term call, even though it hurts his ranking points. On hard courts, Ruud relies on heavy rotational force for his forehand and immense physical movement in baseline rallies. Playing through a back injury on rigid hard courts would only risk structural damage and potentially end his season prematurely.

Match Prediction (Gea vs Cerundolo): Arthur Gea gets a massive career opportunity as a lucky loser. Facing Juan Manuel Cerundolo—who prefers clay courts over hard surfaces—gives the young Frenchman a genuine chance to advance. Expect a tight, multi-set battle, but Arthur Gea to capitalize on his second chance and win in 4 sets (3–1).