Casper Ruud has expressed his concerns regarding the ATP ranking system, which he believes pressures players to compete in tournaments even while injured to maintain their careers. The world No. 8 was recently ousted in the second round at Roland Garros by unseeded Nuno Borges, with Ruud battling a persistent knee injury throughout the match, an issue he has highlighted during the clay-court season.
During the competition, Ruud revealed he had been relying on painkillers, stating he would only withdraw if his condition was severely detrimental to his ability to play. In fact, the only tournament he opted out of recently was the Geneva Open, held shortly before the Grand Slam.
When questioned about why he hasn’t taken a break for a complete recovery, Ruud laid bare the tough realities athletes face. He cited the significance of these weeks for the rest of the season and his career, remarking that skipping mandatory events negatively affects not only points but financial standings as well. Ruud remarked on the competitive nature of the rankings, describing it as a “rat race,” where failing to compete could lead to substantial costs both in economic and ranking terms.
The ATP Tour has seen criticism for its demanding schedule, which includes 13 mandatory events throughout the year, encompassing four Grand Slams, eight Masters 1000 tournaments, and the season-ending ATP Finals. Top-ranked players are also required to participate in at least four 500-level events, further straining their ability to recover between matches.
Ruud pointed out that if players do not meet these requirements, they receive a zero score for their rankings, jeopardising their qualifications for future tournaments. He articulated the pressure imposed by the ATP’s regulations, suggesting that the system compels players to participate even when they are not fully fit, which he believes is unjust.
Ruud concluded by expressing hope for relief from his pain and the ability to heal properly, looking forward to a period of rest before he reassesses his condition in the coming weeks. The athlete’s remarks are a call for reflection on the balance between competition and player well-being in the high-stakes world of professional tennis.