Kitzbuhel Open loses big name as Casper Ruud opts for Olympic prep

Casper Ruud has withdrawn from the 2024 Kitzbuhel Open as the Olympic Games approaches starting on July 27 in Paris. It is a surprise with Ruud ordinarily playing this tournament en route to the US Open as part of his European Clay Court tour.

He usually dominates in these events but this part hasn't gone as well with Ruud losing albeit in a tough test against Thiago Monteiro in the opening round of the Bastad Open.

He stuck around though to play in men's doubles with Rafael Nadal reaching the semi-finals and forming a team known as Ruudal after there was Fedal with Roger Federer. It was a dream team that still gave him preparation for the Olympic Games where he will aim to use his clay court prowess to the hilt. He is a two-time Roland Garros finalist and despite a poor Bastad, he will feel confident approaching his favoured surface.

Especially in doubles with Ruud getting the experience ahead of the Olympic Games to attack both tournaments. But it does come as a blow for Kitzbuhel Open that usually counts on Ruud as an entrant.

"I think we had some fun," Nadal said. "It has been an emotional match at the end, a good level of tennis against two good players. We enjoy it and the crowd was amazing, a full crowd in a doubles match, that's fantastic. Just enjoying every single day here."

"When you cannot win singles you have to try to win doubles," joked Ruud. "It was not the best beginning of the day but a very nice way to finish the day for me. Winning alongside Rafa was a special doubles today. We saved a match point so a bit lucky, and we look forward to the next match."

"I have Fedal, and now Ruudal... so both!" said Nadal also in a humorous end to the interview between the pair.