In a surprising turn of events at the U.S. Open, former champion Marin Cilic and 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud have both withdrawn from the tournament due to injuries. The withdrawals occurred shortly after the tournament commenced on Sunday, marking a significant loss for the competition.
Marin Cilic, who claimed his only Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open 12 years ago, has not disclosed the specifics of his injury. The Croatian player’s absence will be felt deeply, as he was a seasoned competitor with a wealth of experience on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Cilic's spot in the draw will be filled by lucky loser Otto Virtanen, who will face 23rd seed Andrey Rublev in the first round. Virtanen himself had recently withdrawn from a qualifying match due to an injury, making his entry into the main draw a twist of fate.
In addition to Cilic, Casper Ruud's withdrawal adds to the growing list of notable players missing from this year's U.S. Open. The Norwegian, who reached the finals in 2022, announced that he had not sufficiently recovered from a back injury sustained earlier this month during the Cincinnati Open. Ruud had to retire from that match against Christopher O’Connell, and despite hopes for a quick recovery, he ultimately decided it was best to prioritize his long-term health.
Ruud expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, "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 U.S. Open singles event." His place in the draw will be taken by Arthur Gea, who will compete against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the opening round.
The absence of these two high-profile players highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face with injuries, particularly in a demanding tournament like the U.S. Open. This year's event has already seen several notable withdrawals, including players like Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper, Joao Fonseca, and Holger Rune, raising concerns about the physical toll the sport takes on its competitors.
As the tournament progresses, the impact of these withdrawals will be closely watched, especially for the remaining contenders who may benefit from the absence of such formidable opponents. The U.S. Open continues to attract attention not only for its competitive matches but also for the stories of resilience and recovery that unfold throughout the event.
With the tournament still in its early stages, fans and players alike are hopeful for an exciting competition ahead, despite the setbacks faced by Cilic and Ruud. Their decisions to withdraw may ultimately serve as a reminder of the importance of health and recovery in the high-stakes world of professional tennis.
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