Ruud criticises ATP rankings rat race

Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud said the ATPs ranking system was like a rat race as players felt compelled to compete in the tours mandatory events even if they are carrying injuries.

Seventh seed Ruud crashed out of the French Open on Wednesday after losing to unseeded Nuno Borges in the second round, with the Norwegian saying he had been struggling with knee pain that restricted his movement.

Asked if the busy tennis calendar made it difficult to take time off and fully heal an injury, the 26-year-old told reporters that players rankings would take a hit if they skipped mandatory events.

Well, its kind of like a rat race when it comes to the rankings, as well, he said. You feel youre obligated to play with certain rules that the ATP have set up with the mandatory events.

You feel like you lose a lot if you dont show up and play... the punishments are quite hard, in terms of everyone else will play, gain points, and you wont.

The ATP did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.

Ruud also said a players year-end bonus was cut by 25% if they missed a mandatory event.

Im not sure if youre aware, but if you dont play a mandatory event, they cut 25% of your year-end bonus. Youre kind of forcing players to show up injured or sick, or whatever, when that is not what I think is very fair, he added.

Ruud said he was looking forward to taking some weeks off to heal his injury before returning to court.

Im just looking forward to not being on painkillers for some days now. Let it really heal and rest and see where Im at in a few weeks, he added. REUTERS

Join