Casper Ruud Out Of US Open 2026 With Back Injury; Arthur Gea Gets Lucky Loser Spot

Casper Ruud has withdrawn from the 2026 US Open just minutes before his scheduled first-round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, ending the Norwegian's campaign at Flushing Meadows before it could begin.

The 27-year-old, who reached the US Open final in 2022, pulled out because of a back injury after concerns over his fitness had emerged during his preparations in New York. Arthur Gea has taken Ruud's place in the main draw as a lucky loser and will now face Cerundolo in the opening round.

Why Has Casper Ruud Withdrawn From US Open 2026?

Ruud's fitness had been a concern in the build-up to the final Grand Slam of the season, with the Norwegian reportedly stopping repeatedly during practice sessions and appearing restricted in his movement.

He had also retired from his Cincinnati Masters match against Christopher O'Connell earlier this month while trailing 5-7, 2-1.

Despite those concerns, Ruud continued to feature in the US Open mixed doubles event alongside Diana Shnaider, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva.

Ruud later confirmed that his back had not recovered as quickly as hoped.

"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," Ruud said.

"I'll take the time I need to recover properly and come back stronger."

## How Has Casper Ruud Performed At Grand Slams In 2026?

Ruud's withdrawal brings a disappointing end to his Grand Slam season.

The Norwegian reached the fourth round at both the Australian Open and French Open before suffering a first-round defeat at Wimbledon.

His US Open withdrawal means he will not get the opportunity to build on his previous run in New York, where he reached the final in 2022 before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

Ruud's recent record at the majors has also been less consistent than earlier in his career. After reaching three Grand Slam finals between 2022 and 2023, he has struggled to reproduce that level, with his best results in 2026 coming in the fourth round at Melbourne and Roland Garros.

## Who Replaces Casper Ruud At US Open 2026?

Frenchman Arthur Gea has received a lucky loser spot following Ruud's late withdrawal and will now enter the US Open main draw.

The 21-year-old, ranked 87th in the world, is set to face Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first round.

Gea won the ATP 250 title in Los Cabos last August and now has an unexpected opportunity to make his mark at Flushing Meadows.

For Ruud, meanwhile, the focus will shift to his recovery. The extent of his back injury and his availability for the upcoming Asian swing remain unclear. He is also listed for Team Europe's Laver Cup campaign in London from September 25 to 27.