Casper Ruud, usually calm and composed on the ATP Tour, recently voiced his frustration about players grumbling over the balls used in tournaments. He’s focused on securing a spot for the year-end ATP Finals in Turin. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev have already secured their places, with Taylor Fritz likely to join them at No. 5.
Novak Djokovic sits comfortably at No. 6 but has given others a chance by pulling out of next week’s Paris Masters. Last year, he triumphed over Grigor Dimitrov in the final and has claimed victory there seven times before.
Ruud is currently ranked No. 7 in the race to Turin but isn’t feeling too secure after recent losses: first in Stockholm’s quarterfinals and then against Roberto Bautista Agut at Swiss Indoors .
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| no Casper Ruud | 26 | 4,025 | 39 - 10 |
Ball Controversy:
Despite these setbacks, Ruud refuses to blame tournament balls for any failures. Medvedev had criticized them during the Shanghai Masters for becoming sluggish too quickly—making it tough to score winners after just a few games. Other players also dislike frequent ball changes due to injury risks from constant adaptation.
However, Ruud dismisses these complaints as attention-seeking without real cause. “You see players complain about the balls all the time,” he said on the Nothing Major Podcast. “I’m getting so tired of like ‘Oh, I feel my elbow… I feel this or that.’ Come on! Just play.”
Fans might think Ruud’s comments are bold since many players share concerns about ball consistency.
He finds it amusing when players arrive days early to practice with dozens of racquets strung perfectly yet still gripe by round four about ball issues—after using those same balls for nine days! “What’s the point of bringing it up now?” he questions sarcastically.
Ruud’s fiery remarks seem aimed not only at Medvedev but others who share similar sentiments regarding event equipment standards. His candid perspective leaves one wondering how such opinions resonate within locker room discussions.
What do you think? Should tennis pros adapt or speak out more?
