Casper Ruud's quest for a Monte-Carlo Masters championship came to an unexpected end when he was forced to retire from the match due to a calf injury.
Ranked world No. 12, Ruud's exit gave the seventh-ranked Auger-Aliassime a free pass to the quarter-finals of the prestigious clay Masters 1000 event of 2026.
The Norwegian, who was tied 2-2 in the second set, had to concede the match to his Canadian opponent after struggling with discomfort in his right leg.
Ruud's departure raises concerns about his fitness for the upcoming clay-court season, a critical period for players gearing up for events like Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros.
On the bright side, Auger-Aliassime continues his strong start to the clay court season, set to face world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.
