Casper Ruud says he is ‘so sorry’ as he explains why he has also been forced to withdraw from the Mexican Open

Follow us on Google Discover

Casper Ruud was hoping to improve on his runner-up finish at the Mexican Open last year before announcing his withdrawal.

Ruud reached the Mexican Open final for the first time in 2024 before losing to Alex de Minaur.

Since returning to Acapulco, Ruud has commented on Jannik Sinner’s ban before beating Arthur Rinderknech in the first round.

However, the world number five has now seen his Mexican Open campaign come to an abrupt end.

Casper Ruud apologizes for Mexican Open withdrawal

Ruud was supposed to play Mexican wildcard Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez in his second round match, but was unable to even take to the court.

After his withdrawal was announced by the tournament, Ruud took to Instagram to explain that he was struggling with a stomach illness and apologized for pulling out at the last minute.

The Norwegian also stated his intent to return to the Mexican Open tournament next year.

“I’m so sorry I had to pull out tonight,” Ruud said on Instagram. “I was hoping to overcome this stomach illness that showed up yesterday and tried everything I could to be able to play tonight, until the very last moment.

“Hoping to come back stronger in a couple of days and come back here to Mexico next year. Thanks for now, Acapulco!”

Ruud will now look to recover in time for Indian Wells, that begins on Wednesday March 5.

Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul and Holger Rune all struggling with food poisoning at the Mexican Open

Ruud is not the only player to have withdrawn from the Mexican Open due to illness, with Holger Rune retiring from his second round match against Brandon Nakashima after just two games.

Similarly to Ruud, American number two Tommy Paul was also unable to take to the court, with the tournament confirming that his withdrawal was related to a stomach illness.

All of the top seven seeds have already either withdrew or lost at the Mexican Open this year, including world number two Alexander Zverev losing to Learner Tien.

While it has not officially been confirmed by the tournament, it has been reported that both Zverev and Alex Michelsen were also struggling with food poisoning.

The only two seeds remaining in Acapulco are Tomas Machac and Dallas Open champion Denis Shapovalov, with the tournament now at the quarter-final stage.