In an emotional press conference that left the tennis world stunned and heartbroken, Casper Ruud officially announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Australian Open. The Norwegian star, seeded No. 12 and considered a strong contender for a deep run in Melbourne, revealed the devastating reason behind his decision: a severe lower-leg injury sustained during off-season training that requires immediate surgery and extended rehabilitation.

Ruud, 27, had arrived in Australia looking sharp after a solid United Cup performance with Norway. Fans and pundits alike had high hopes for the baseline powerhouse, who excels on the slower hard courts of Melbourne Park. However, behind the scenes, the situation was far more serious than anyone realized.

Speaking to a packed room of journalists at Melbourne Park, Ruud appeared composed but visibly pained as he delivered the news.

“I want to thank everyone for the support this week and throughout my career,” he began, his voice steady. “I know many of you were excited to see me play here. I was too. But I have to be honest with you and with myself.”

He paused, glanced down at the floor, then looked up with resolve.

“I am withdrawing from the Australian Open because of a serious injury to my right lower leg. During an intense training session two weeks ago in Oslo, I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my calf while pushing off for a sprint drill. I tried to play through it in the United Cup, but the scans after that confirmed the worst: a grade 3 tear in the gastrocnemius muscle, combined with partial rupture of the soleus and significant tendon damage. The doctors have advised immediate surgery to repair the tears and prevent long-term complications.”

The room fell silent. Cameras flashed as reporters processed the gravity of the announcement. Ruud continued, his tone filled with regret.

“I apologize and am very sorry that everyone has placed their trust in me, but I have something more important than that Cup, which is… my long-term health and my ability to compete at the highest level for years to come.”

The statement hit like a thunderbolt. What began as murmurs of disappointment quickly turned into sympathetic nods and quiet applause. Ruud explained that he had kept the injury under wraps for weeks, hoping rest and targeted therapy would allow him to play. But after consulting with specialists in Norway and Australia, the verdict was unanimous: playing would risk permanent damage, potentially ending his career prematurely.

“The pain was manageable at first,” he admitted. “I thought I could manage it with anti-inflammatories and taping. But every time I pushed off hard, the tear worsened. I cannot ask my body to do something it’s not ready for—not when I still want to win more Grand Slams, more Masters, more titles for Norway. I owe it to my team, my family, and myself to get this right.”

Ruud’s withdrawal comes at a particularly cruel time. He was drawn into a favorable section of the draw, with a potential path to the quarterfinals that avoided several top seeds early on. His absence opens the door for a lucky loser or alternate, but for fans, the loss feels personal. Ruud has become one of the most respected figures on tour—humble, hardworking, and consistently gracious in defeat and victory.

The tennis world reacted swiftly and supportively. Novak Djokovic, who has dealt with his own share of leg injuries, posted: “Gutted for you, Casper. Take care of yourself first. You’ll be back stronger.” Rafael Nadal, another player who has battled chronic foot and leg issues, wrote: “I know exactly how hard this is. Listen to your body. Come back when you’re 100%. We’ll be waiting.” Carlos Alcaraz added: “Big respect, Casper. Health comes first. Sending love to you and your team.”

The ATP Tour released a statement: “We are deeply saddened by Casper Ruud’s withdrawal but fully support his decision to prioritize his health. Casper is one of the most dedicated and respected players on tour. We look forward to welcoming him back when he is fully recovered.”

Ruud detailed the injury further: the gastrocnemius tear is a high-grade strain that often requires surgical intervention in elite athletes. Recovery timeline is estimated at 4–6 months for full return to training, with a realistic comeback targeted for the clay-court season (Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros) in May–June 2026—if all goes perfectly. Any setback could push that timeline into the second half of the year.

“I’ve already scheduled surgery for next week back in Oslo,” he said. “The surgeons are confident, and I trust them completely. I’m going to attack rehab the same way I attack a backhand down the line—full commitment, no shortcuts.”

He also addressed fans directly: “To every person who bought a ticket hoping to see me play, I’m truly sorry. I feel like I’ve let you down. But I promise you this: when I come back, I’ll be better than ever. I’ll carry your support with me every step of the way.”

The announcement has sparked broader discussions about the physical toll of the modern tennis calendar. Ruud’s injury is the latest in a string of lower-leg issues affecting top players—Carlos Alcaraz (ankle), Jannik Sinner (hip flexor), and others have all battled similar problems in recent seasons. Many point to the relentless schedule, hard-court surfaces, and increasing physical demands as contributing factors.

For now, though, the focus remains on Ruud’s recovery. He leaves Melbourne not as a player who quit, but as one who chose wisdom over glory. In an era where athletes are often pushed to compete through pain, Ruud’s decision stands as a powerful reminder that long-term health must come first.

As he walked out of the press room, Ruud turned back one last time and smiled faintly.

“Thank you for understanding me,” he said. “I’ll see you soon—on court, stronger than before.”

The room rose in applause, a standing ovation filled with respect and hope. Casper Ruud may not play the 2026 Australian Open, but in that moment, he won something far greater: the admiration of the entire tennis world.