Norway’s Casper Ruud has withdrawn from the 2026 Nexo Dallas Open to spend more time with his family following the birth of his daughter, but he will not be punished by the ATP for pulling out at short notice.
Ruud, currently ranked world No. 12, shared on social media that he will remain in Norway an extra week with his wife, Maria Galligani, and their newborn after the child arrived on January 30. He expressed disappointment at missing the Dallas event, where he finished runner-up in 2025 and was due to defend 330 ranking points.
Source: The Business Journals
Under changes to the ATP Rulebook that took effect for the 2026 season, players who withdraw from a tournament within a two-week window before or after the birth or legal adoption of a child are exempt from late withdrawal fines and ranking penalties, provided they supply satisfactory documentation. The exemption applies to ATP Masters 1000 and ATP 500 tournaments such as the Dallas Open.
The new rule is part of a broader update to ATP regulations that also includes expanded player welfare policies, such as strengthened safeguarding measures.
Ruud posted that he was looking forward to returning to Dallas in 2027 and wished the field well for this year’s event. He last competed at the Australian Open, where he exited in the fourth round, and is next expected to play at Indian Wells in March.
