Casper Ruud Eliminated Early at Indian Wells—So Why Hasn’t He Left Yet? The Mystery Shocking the Tennis World!

Casper Ruud has been spotted at Indian Wells Tennis Garden long after his tournament run ended, raising questions about why he has not moved on to the Miami Open, where most of his fellow players have already arrived.

With the BNP Paribas Open entering its final stages, it is expected that eliminated players would have shifted their focus to Miami, the next ATP Masters 1000 event. The usual pattern is clear: players compete, exit, and move on. However, the world number five remains at Indian Wells, leading to speculation about his strategy.

Casper Ruud’s Early Exit at Indian Wells

Casper Ruud participated in two draws at Indian Wells:

• Men’s singles: Lost in the first round to Marcos Giron on Day 3.
• Mixed doubles: Paired with Ulrikke Eikeri, but lost to Andrey Rublev and Nicole Melichar-Martinez on Day 7.

Typically, a player who exits early at a Masters 1000 event immediately shifts focus to the next major tournament. However, Ruud did not follow this trend. Instead, he was seen training in the player facilities at Indian Wells and even watching quarterfinal matches from behind the scenes.

This has led to speculation about why the Norwegian star has chosen to remain at Indian Wells instead of transitioning to Miami like most of his fellow competitors.

Why Has Casper Ruud Not Left for Miami?

One possible explanation for Ruud’s decision to remain at Indian Wells is the demanding ATP calendar. Players frequently express concerns about the grueling schedule, which forces them to constantly travel across continents, switch surfaces, and adjust to different playing conditions.

World number two Iga Swiatek recently voiced her frustration with the calendar, emphasizing the physical and mental challenges it imposes on players.

She stated, “We are not going to be able to be consistent for many years playing week by week. We need to switch continents, we need to switch surfaces, we need to switch the balls. It is not easy.”

For Casper Ruud, staying behind at Indian Wells may be a strategic move to maintain stability and avoid the stress of immediate travel. Given his struggles on outdoor hard courts, he may be prioritizing consistency over rapid adaptation to Miami’s conditions.

Casper Ruud’s History at Indian Wells and Miami

Ruud is no stranger to the back-to-back Masters 1000 events in March, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Swing. Over his ten years on tour, he has gained significant experience competing in both Indian Wells and Miami.

• Best result at Indian Wells: Quarterfinals in 2023
• Best result at Miami Open: Finalist in 2022

While Ruud has never reached the final at Indian Wells, his Miami Open performance in 2022 proves that he can excel in Florida conditions. By staying at Indian Wells, he may be focusing on refining his game and fitness before making the transition.

Other Players Have Also Chosen to Stay at Indian Wells

Ruud is not the only player who has decided to extend his stay at Indian Wells after being eliminated. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Karen Khachanov were also seen training at the player facilities, rather than rushing to Miami.

Both players were spotted behind the scenes during Holger Rune’s quarterfinal match against Tallon Griekspoor, further fueling speculation that some players prefer to delay their transition to Miami rather than immediately adjusting to new playing conditions.

This trend suggests that players are taking a different approach to managing the demanding schedule, prioritizing preparation over travel.

New Indian Wells Courts and Their Impact on Players

One factor that may have influenced Ruud’s decision is the introduction of new courts at Indian Wells this year. Players have been divided over how these new surfaces affect play.

• Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has expressed that he enjoys the conditions, saying, “I love playing with the wind.”
• Other players, however, have found it difficult to adjust, leading to inconsistent results for some of the top seeds.

For Ruud, Khachanov, and Perricard, staying at Indian Wells a little longer may allow them to focus on training without the added stress of adapting to Miami’s faster courts and humid conditions too quickly.

Casper Ruud’s Strategic Gamble: Will It Pay Off?

The decision to remain at Indian Wells is a calculated risk. Ruud is sacrificing extra practice time in Miami, which could be crucial given the differences in court speed, humidity, and playing style. However, he is gaining stability and routine, which may benefit his long-term consistency.

For a player like Ruud, who has yet to win a major title on hard courts, every strategic decision matters. The Miami Open is a tournament where he has found previous success, and his extended stay at Indian Wells may be part of a larger plan to peak at the right time.

Final Thoughts: Smart Move or Missed Opportunity?

The big question remains: Will Ruud’s decision to stay at Indian Wells give him an advantage in Miami, or will it put him at a disadvantage compared to players who have already adapted to the Florida conditions?

With the Miami Open set to begin in just a few days, the world number five will eventually make his way to Florida. Whether this unconventional approach proves to be a stroke of genius or a miscalculation will soon be revealed.

One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Casper Ruud when he finally steps onto the Miami Open courts.

The ATP Tour’s grueling schedule continues to push players to their limits, and strategies like Ruud’s extended stay at Indian Wells could become more common as professionals look for ways to optimize performance and manage workload.

Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see whether this bold decision leads to a deep run in Miami—or if it backfires, leaving Ruud struggling to find his form.

The Psychological Aspect of Ruud’s Decision

Beyond the physical and tactical aspects, Casper Ruud’s decision to stay at Indian Wells may also have a psychological dimension. After an early exit, some players rush to the next event, eager to erase past mistakes. However, Ruud’s calm approach suggests he is prioritizing mental clarity and confidence before heading to Miami. By staying in a familiar environment, he avoids unnecessary pressure and allows himself to reset mentally. This approach could help him perform at his best in Miami, where he has previously reached a Masters 1000 final. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off.