PARIS — Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud has accused the ATP of "forcing players to show up injured" after his shock second-round exit at the 2024 French Open, reigniting the debate over player welfare in professional tennis.
The world No. 7, a two-time Roland Garros finalist, suffered a straight-sets defeat to unseeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi (6-4, 6-3, 6-0) in what he later described as compromised physical condition. In a tense post-match press conference, Ruud suggested the ATP's ranking rules create undue pressure to compete while injured.
Ruud's Fiery Post-Match Comments
"The system is broken," Ruud stated bluntly. "We're forced to show up even when we're not fit because if we withdraw, we lose all our points from last year. I've been dealing with abdominal pain since Rome but had no choice but to play through it—that's not how sports should work."
The 25-year-old specifically criticized the ATP's "Best of 18" ranking system, where players must defend points from their top 18 tournaments over the past 52 weeks. Withdrawing from an event means forfeiting those points—a devastating blow for players hovering near critical ranking thresholds for seedings or tournament entries.
The Injury Controversy in Tennis
Ruud's comments spotlight an ongoing tension in professional tennis:
- Physical toll: The 11-month season demands constant travel and surface transitions
- Financial pressures: Missing tournaments impacts earnings and sponsorships
- Ranking consequences: Withdrawals can trigger dramatic ranking drops
This isn't the first time players have raised concerns. Novak Djokovic previously called the schedule "brutal," while Andy Murray underwent hip surgery in 2018 after delaying treatment to maintain his ranking. Current ATP rules allow medical exemptions, but only for long-term injuries with documented proof.
ATP's Response and Player Reactions
The ATP issued a statement defending its policies:
"Player health is paramount. Our rules include provisions for protected rankings after long-term injuries, and we continually review policies with medical experts and player representatives."
However, several players voiced support for Ruud. Holger Rune tweeted: "100% agree with Casper. The system punishes players for being human. We need change." Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander added on Eurosport: "This is how careers get shortened."
The French Open Fallout
Ruud's early exit marks a dramatic downturn for last year's finalist, who was considered a dark horse contender. His loss came hours after defending champion Novak Djokovic withdrew due to a knee injury—another withdrawal that will cost the Serb 2,000 ranking points.
Tennis analyst Mary Carillo noted the irony: "We celebrate the 'warrior mentality' in sports, but at what cost? Both Ruud and Djokovic are facing the same systemic pressure—one played hurt and lost, the other withdrew and gets penalized. There's no good outcome."
Potential Solutions on the Table
The controversy has reignited discussions about possible reforms:
- Extended injury protections: Expanding medical exemptions beyond 6-12 months
- Reduced mandatory events: Cutting the "Best of 18" to "Best of 14" tournaments
- Performance byes: Allowing late withdrawals with partial point retention
The ATP Player Council, which includes Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov, is expected to address these concerns at their next meeting. However, any changes would require approval from tournament organizers wary of star withdrawals affecting ticket sales.
Looking Ahead: The Grass Season
Ruud's comments cast a shadow over the upcoming grass-court swing. The Norwegian confirmed he'll undergo scans before deciding on his Wimbledon participation: "I won't make the same mistake twice. If my body isn't ready, I'll take the ranking hit—health comes first."
As the tennis world digests another injury controversy, the sport faces difficult questions about balancing commercial interests with athlete welfare. With the Paris Olympics approaching and players facing even more compressed schedules, Ruud's outburst may prove a watershed moment in the player-rights movement.
The ATP's next moves will be closely watched. As former player turned commentator Brad Gilbert observed: "This isn't just about Ruud—it's about whether tennis wants its stars playing at 70% or preserving them for their full careers."