Ronnie O’Sullivan Told to Stay Away as Judd Trump Pulls No Punches in Brutal Assessment.

Ronnie O’Sullivan Told to Stay Away as Judd Trump Pulls No Punches in Brutal Assessment.

 

 

 

Judd Trump has delivered a candid assessment of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s current situation, urging the seven-time world champion to stay away from competitive snooker until he feels fully ready to return. Trump suggested that O’Sullivan, now 50, is more vulnerable than during his dominant peak years and should prioritise his mental and emotional wellbeing before stepping back into the spotlight.

O’Sullivan has been noticeably absent for large parts of this season. The Rocket opted to skip the Players Championship and did not enter the ongoing Welsh Open, marking the 10th professional UK event he has either withdrawn from or chosen not to play. His absences have also included high-profile tournaments such as the Masters and the Champion of Champions — competitions he has traditionally relished and frequently dominated.

Trump, one of the game’s leading figures and a former world champion himself, acknowledged that O’Sullivan’s standards remain incredibly high but hinted that the pressures of maintaining them can take a toll. According to Trump, stepping away from the tour can sometimes be the best decision for a player who no longer feels mentally prepared to compete week in, week out.

O’Sullivan’s relocation to Dubai with his wife, actress Laila Rouass, has also been widely viewed as a significant factor in his reduced schedule. Seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the constant demands of the UK snooker circuit, the veteran appears to be carefully managing both his playing commitments and personal life. While many fans continue to hope for regular appearances, O’Sullivan has made it clear in recent years that he will only compete when he feels motivated and ready.

Trump’s comments reflect a broader reality within the sport: longevity at the highest level is as much about mindset as it is about talent. O’Sullivan’s natural ability has long set him apart, but the grind of the professional tour can be unforgiving. Younger players are hungrier, fitter, and eager to capitalise on any sign of vulnerability from established stars.

Despite his limited appearances, O’Sullivan’s legacy remains untouched. With seven World Championship titles and countless ranking crowns, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of snooker. However, Trump’s remarks underline the fact that reputation alone does not win matches. In today’s fiercely competitive environment, even legends must be fully committed to succeed.

Ultimately, Trump’s message was not one of criticism but of realism. He appears to believe that O’Sullivan still possesses the quality to compete with anyone — provided he returns on his own terms and in the right frame of mind. Until then, staying away may be the smartest move for a champion who has nothing left to prove but still plenty to protect.

Whether this season marks a temporary pause or the beginning of a gradual farewell remains to be seen. For now, the snooker world waits to see when — and in what condition — The Rocket chooses to light up the sport once again.