Rocket Grounded Again: Eight-Time Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan Forced Out of Masters
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 Masters for medical reasons, marking the second consecutive year the snooker legend has been unable to take part in one of the sport’s most prestigious events. The 50-year-old world number eight, a record eight-time Masters champion, was due to face Australia’s Neil Robertson in what was widely regarded as the standout first-round match of the tournament. However, O’Sullivan’s late withdrawal means Scottish Open champion Chris Wakelin will now take his place in the draw.
O’Sullivan, who lifted his first Masters title back in 1995 at just 19 years of age, described pulling out as a “nightmare decision”. He admitted he had been under intense pressure and felt he had “lost the plot”, ultimately deciding that stepping away was the only responsible option. While the exact nature of his medical condition has not been disclosed, O’Sullivan has been open in recent years about the importance of protecting both his physical and mental wellbeing.
The Masters withdrawal continues a pattern that has seen ‘The Rocket’ step back from several tournaments on medical or mental health grounds, including the British Open, Wuhan Open and the World Grand Prix. Now based in Dubai with his family, O’Sullivan has been selective about his appearances, prioritising his long-term health over a packed competitive schedule.
His most recent outing came at the UK Championship in December, where he suffered a surprise 6–4 first-round defeat to China’s Zhou Yuelong at the York Barbican. Following that loss, O’Sullivan openly questioned whether he would feel ready to compete at the Masters, saying he would reassess his condition in January before making a final decision.
The Masters, held annually at Alexandra Palace, holds a special place in O’Sullivan’s career. Limited to the world’s top 16 players, it is one of snooker’s iconic Triple Crown events, and O’Sullivan is traditionally greeted with a rapturous reception by the Ally Pally crowd. His absence will be keenly felt by fans who were eagerly anticipating his clash with Robertson, a two-time Masters winner himself.
Robertson will now take on Wakelin, who has enjoyed an impressive season and arrives fresh from his Scottish Open triumph. As for O’Sullivan, his next potential competitive appearance on home soil is expected to be either the Tour Championship in Manchester at the end of March or the World Championship at the Crucible in April, where fans will hope to see the sport’s greatest showman back where he belongs.
