The US Open has suffered another significant blow even before the first-round action has fully unfolded. Former finalist Casper Ruud and 2014 champion Marin Cilic have withdrawn from the 2026 tournament, removing two experienced names from the men’s singles draw.
For Ruud, the decision brings an abrupt end to a remarkable run of consecutive US Open appearances. For Cilic, it means another chapter at the tournament where he produced the biggest triumph of his career will have to wait.
The withdrawals also provide two lucky losers, Arthur Gea and Otto Virtanen, with unexpected opportunities on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Ruud’s back injury forces difficult decision
Ruud entered the tournament as the No. 19 seed and was expected to face Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the opening round.
However, the Norwegian was unable to recover sufficiently from a back problem. He had already retired during the second set of his opening match against Christopher O’Connell at the Cincinnati Open, raising concerns about his fitness heading into New York.
The 27-year-old had hoped to be ready for the final Grand Slam of the season, but ultimately chose not to risk aggravating the problem.
Ruud’s withdrawal is particularly disappointing because of his history at Flushing Meadows. He reached the 2022 US Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a match that also had the No. 1 ranking at stake. That run helped Ruud rise to a career-high No. 2 in the ATP rankings.
He had also competed in mixed doubles at this year’s US Open alongside Diana Shnaider, with the pair reaching the quarter-finals.
Casper Ruud: Key numbers
2026 season record: 25-16
Career ATP titles: 14
Career-high ranking: No. 2
US Open best: Runner-up in 2022
2026 US Open seeding: No. 19
Status: Withdrawn
Ruud had reached the fourth round at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros this season, but his Wimbledon campaign ended in the first round.
Cilic’s Flushing Meadows return ends before first ball
Cilic’s withdrawal is another major loss for the tournament.
The Croatian, a former world No. 3, was scheduled to play No. 23 seed Andrey Rublev in what promised to be an intriguing first-round battle between two powerful ball-strikers.
Instead, Cilic has been forced out, with Finland’s Otto Virtanen taking his place in the draw.
The 37-year-old’s connection with the US Open remains one of the strongest stories of his career. Cilic won the tournament in 2014, defeating Kei Nishikori in the final to secure his lone Grand Slam singles title.
His record at Flushing Meadows also underlines his consistency at the venue: 41 wins and 14 defeats, including another deep run in 2015 when he reached the semi-finals.
Cilic also came agonisingly close to eliminating Alcaraz in the fourth round in 2022. He led the eventual champion by two sets to one before Alcaraz fought back to win the contest.
Marin Cilic: Key numbers
Age: 37
US Open record: 41-14
US Open titles: 1
US Open championship: 2014
Career-high ranking: No. 3
Status: Withdrawn
Lucky losers suddenly find themselves in the spotlight
While Ruud and Cilic will be disappointed, their withdrawals have opened the door for two players who were not originally guaranteed a place in the main draw.
Arthur Gea, the recent Los Cabos champion, moves into Ruud’s position and will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Otto Virtanen replaces Cilic and will now meet Andrey Rublev.
For both players, the situation represents the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis: one moment they are fighting through qualifying, and the next they are preparing to face established opponents in the main draw.
Injury concerns continue to dominate New York
Ruud and Cilic are not the only high-profile absentees at this year’s US Open. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner had already withdrawn with a right knee injury, while several other established players have also been ruled out before or during the build-up to the tournament.
The absence of Ruud is particularly notable because he had been a consistent presence at the US Open since making his tournament debut in qualifying in 2017. His decision also highlights the growing importance players place on managing injuries over the long term rather than risking further damage at a Grand Slam.
What it means for the US Open
The 2026 US Open began on August 30 and runs through September 13 in New York. With Ruud and Cilic now removed from the field, two established names have disappeared from the men’s singles storyline before their scheduled opening matches.
For the tournament, their exits create fresh opportunities elsewhere in the draw. For Gea and Virtanen, they could be the beginning of the biggest weeks of their careers.
But for Ruud and Cilic, New York has once again provided a reminder of tennis’ unforgiving nature: even players with Grand Slam pedigree can find their campaigns ending before they ever step onto the court.
Main Takeaway
Casper Ruud: Withdrawn because of a back problem; the 2022 finalist was the No. 19 seed.
Marin Cilic: Former 2014 champion and 41-14 at the US Open; withdrawn before his scheduled clash with Rublev.
Arthur Gea: Replaces Ruud as a lucky loser and faces Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Otto Virtanen: Takes Cilic’s place and faces No. 23 seed Andrey Rublev.
Tournament: US Open 2026, New York, August 30–September 13.
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