Tennis Players Endure Pain amid French Open 'Rat Race' Concerns

Several top tennis players at the 2025 French Open are openly discussing the intense physical and mental challenges they face on the professional circuit. Casper Ruud, ranked No. 8 and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, revealed he played through severe knee pain for two months until it forced his decline in the tournament, criticizing the tour's demanding schedule and penalty system that compel players to compete despite injuries. Caroline Garcia and Emma Raducanu echoed concerns about the pressure to perform while injured, with Garcia questioning if pushing bodies to extremes is worth it. Carlos Alcaraz shared his approach of balancing suffering and enjoyment on court, noting the unique isolation of singles tennis and the need to mentally cope with constant pressure. Meanwhile, rising and returning players like Amanda Anisimova and others are navigating comebacks amid injuries and personal challenges, emphasizing experience as a vital factor. Additionally, foreign players at Roland Garros face hostile crowd environments, with jeering and intense noise from French fans creating an adversarial atmosphere that adds to the tournament's difficulties.