Casper Ruud Criticizes ATP Ranking System After Injury-Forced French Open Exit

Casper Ruud, the world No. 8 and two-time French Open finalist, criticized the ATP's ranking and mandatory tournament system following his second-round exit at the 2025 French Open due to a persistent knee injury. Ruud described the current system as a "rat race" that pressures players to compete despite injuries, as missing mandatory events results in significant economic losses, ranking point drops, and a reduction of up to 25% in year-end bonuses. He highlighted the difficulty players face in balancing recovery with the obligation to participate in mandatory tournaments, explaining that skipping these events often means others gain points while they lose opportunities. Ruud's injury, which had troubled him throughout the clay-court season, was exacerbated by this pressure, leading to his unexpected defeat by Nuno Borges. His remarks shed light on the broader concerns players have regarding the ATP's structure, which he characterized as unfair because it forces athletes to compete while injured or ill. The ATP and WTA require top players to participate in a set number of events, intensifying the challenge for injured competitors like Ruud to manage their health without risking their rankings and financial rewards.