Casper Ruud Calls Out ‘Questionable’ ATP Rules for Pressurizing Players to Play with Injuries

One of the top seeds Casper Ruud shockingly lost in the second round of Roland Garros this year.

Casper Ruud Calls Out ‘Questionable’ ATP Rules for Pressurizing Players to Play with Injuries

Casper Ruud (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Casper Ruud has voiced concerns about the pressure on players to compete while injured, following his early exit from the French Open. The two-time finalist was knocked out in the second round, marking his worst result in Paris since his debut in 2018. After the match, Ruud revealed he had been dealing with a knee issue throughout the clay season.

The world No. 8 said the injury had persisted since before the Madrid Open, where he captured the biggest title of his career. Ruud suggested that players are reluctant to rest and recover properly because of the potential consequences from the ATP, such as losing points or bonus money. He believes this system pushes athletes to play even when unfit.

During his match in Paris, Ruud took a medical timeout as the physio treated his upper left leg. Many assumed the problem was new, but Ruud later clarified it had been ongoing. He admitted to relying on painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication throughout the clay swing to manage the issue. Ruud said:

It’s a questionable system because on one hand you don’t want to show up injured, and you maybe give the spot to other one. I’m not sure if you’re aware.. but if you don’t play a mandatory event, they cut 25% 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.

Now out of the tournament, Ruud plans to take a longer break to fully recover. He said that a brief rest last week didn’t ease the pain, and further medical scans will help decide his next steps. Still, he admitted to feeling caught in a system where skipping events comes with major downsides, even if injured.

Casper Ruud exits Roland Garros

World No. 8 Casper Ruud suffered a shock defeat in the second round of the 2025 French Open. He was beaten by Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who came from a set down to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Borges, ranked 41st, delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.

Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud (Image via X/ATP)

With this win, Borges made history for Portuguese tennis. He became the first man from Portugal to defeat a top-10 player at a Grand Slam. He also became the first to reach the third round at Roland Garros. Ruud, meanwhile, recorded his earliest exit in Paris since 2018.

The momentum shifted sharply in the third set when Ruud appeared to struggle with a left leg injury. He took a medical timeout but returned to the court in clear discomfort. Despite his determination to continue, his movement was restricted, affecting his level of play.

Ruud had started the match with confidence, winning the first set with solid serving and aggressive baseline play. His strong clay-court form, including 12 of his 13 career titles on the surface, seemed to carry over. However, Borges capitalized on Ruud’s physical struggles, continuing his reputation as a player capable of major upsets.

Casper Ruud faces major decline in rankings

Former World No.2 Casper Ruud was eliminated from the French Open on Wednesday after a surprising second-round loss to Nuno Borges. The seventh seed lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Borges, ranked No. 41 in the world, took full advantage of the opportunity to secure the biggest win of his career.

Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Ruud had been a consistent performer at Roland Garros in recent years. He reached the final in both 2022 and 2023, losing to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. In 2024, he made it to the semi-finals, where he was defeated by Alexander Zverev. This latest loss ties his worst result at the tournament, last seen in his debut year of 2018.

The defeat comes with a major ranking consequence. Ruud is projected to fall out of the top 10 again, with his points total expected to drop to 2,905. This would place him at No. 13. If Arthur Fils wins his next match, Ruud could fall to No. 14 in the live rankings.

Earlier in the clay season, Ruud had briefly slipped out of the top 10 before reclaiming his place with a title in Madrid—his first Masters 1000 crown. However, this loss leaves him entering the grass-court season, historically his weakest stretch, outside the top 10 and searching for momentum.

Also Read: Joao Fonseca Embraces Pressure and Comparison After Stunning Roland Garros Debut