Casper Ruud has fumed at the ATP’s ranking system.
The Norwegian was carrying an injury at the French Open and was knocked out in the second round by Nuno Borges.
Ruud, who has played in two French Open finals, believes the ATP’s ranking system and rules encourages stars to play injured.
“It’s kind of like a rat race when it comes to the rankings as well. You feel you’re 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 don’t show up and play, both economically, point-wise, ranking-wise and opportunity-wise.
“For me, I know these weeks and months are really important for the remainder of the year and for my career. Of course, if my leg is broken, I won’t play.
“But it’s tough anyways, especially when there’s a time with mandatory events to skip them because the punishments are quite hard, in terms of everyone else will play, gain points.. and you won’t. Also there’s a certain bonus system set up that is reduced if you don’t show up to the mandatory events.
It’s a questionable system because on one hand, you don’t want to show up injured, and you maybe give the spot to another one. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but if you don’t play a mandatory event, they cut 25 per cent of your year-end bonus.
“You’re kind of forcing players to show up injured or sick, or whatever, when that is not what I think is very fair. Anyways it’s been deal-able, like I said. I’ve been able to deal with the pain. It hasn’t been too bad. Some days worse than others. I’m just looking forward to not being on some painkillers for some days now [smiles]. Let it really heal and rest and see where I’m at in a few weeks.”