Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, has experienced a significant setback in his quest for a Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. The Norwegian tennis star, seeded seventh in the tournament, suffered a surprising second-round defeat to Portugal’s Nuno Borges. This unexpected loss not only ended his French Open campaign prematurely but also led to a drop in the ATP rankings and prompted Ruud to criticize the tour’s demanding system.
The Upset at Roland Garros
Ruud’s defeat to Borges was undoubtedly a shock. After a comfortable first-round victory, he seemed poised for another strong showing on the Parisian clay, where he has reached the final in both 2022 and 2023. However, Borges proved to be a formidable opponent, battling his way to a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 victory.
According to Stats Insider’s predictive analytics model, Ruud had an 81% chance of winning against Borges in the French Open. Despite these odds, Borges was able to pull off the upset.
Ruud himself acknowledged struggling with a knee injury that had been “on and off” throughout the clay season. He took a medical timeout after the third set, but the injury clearly hampered his movement and shot-making, ultimately contributing to his defeat.
Ranking Impact and the ‘Rat Race’
The loss at the French Open has had a direct impact on Ruud’s ATP ranking. While he entered the tournament as the world number 7, his early exit will result in a drop in the rankings. As of May 5, 2025, Ruud was ranked number 7, a climb from number 8.
Adding to his disappointment, Ruud voiced strong criticism of the ATP’s ranking system, describing it as a “rat race” that pressures players to compete even when injured. He pointed out that players feel obligated to participate in mandatory events to defend their ranking points, maintain their seeding, and secure direct entry into tournaments.
“You feel like you lose a lot if you don’t show up and play, both economically, point-wise, ranking-wise, and opportunity-wise,” Ruud explained. He questioned the system’s fairness, arguing that it forces players to choose between their health and their careers. “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.”
Ruud’s comments highlight a growing concern among tennis players about the physical demands of the modern tour. The pressure to maintain a high ranking and compete for lucrative prize money often leads players to push themselves beyond their limits, risking further injury and burnout.
Ruud’s 2025 Season So Far
Despite the setback at the French Open, Casper Ruud has had a generally solid 2025 season. His most notable achievement was winning the Madrid Open, his first Masters 1000 title, where he defeated Jack Draper in the final. He also reached the final in Dallas, losing to Denis Shapovalov. He has maintained a steady presence on the ATP Tour.
Before the clay court season, Ruud’s performance was somewhat inconsistent, with a final appearance in Dallas being his only significant result. However, he found his form on clay, reaching the quarterfinals in Barcelona and Rome, in addition to his title in Madrid.
According to the ATP, Ruud has a year-to-date record of 24 wins and 7 losses, with one title and $2,410,638 in prize money. In 2025, Ruud reached his third Masters 1000 final at the Madrid Open, defeating Francisco Cerúndolo, which guaranteed his return to the top 10 in the singles rankings on May 5, 2025.
What’s Next for Ruud?
Following his unexpected defeat at the French Open, Casper Ruud’s immediate focus will likely be on recovering from his knee injury. The extent of the injury is unknown.
Looking ahead, Ruud faces a challenging period on grass courts, a surface that is not his specialty. His best result at Wimbledon is a second-round appearance. However, he has shown promise on hard courts, reaching the finals of the US Open and the ATP World Tour Finals in 2022.
It remains to be seen how Ruud will adjust his schedule and approach to the rest of the 2025 season. His criticism of the ATP ranking system suggests that he may prioritize his health and well-being over chasing ranking points, which could lead to a more selective tournament schedule.
Other Top Contenders at the French Open 2025
While Ruud’s departure is a blow to his fans, the French Open 2025 continues with other top contenders vying for the title. According to sportsbooks, the favorites to win the men’s singles title are:
- Carlos Alcaraz (+100)
- Jannik Sinner (+210)
- Novak Djokovic (+1200)
- Alexander Zverev (+1500)
- Lorenzo Musetti (+2000)
In the women’s singles, the top contenders are:
- Aryna Sabalenka (+260)
- Iga Swiatek (+410)
- Coco Gauff (+480)
- Mirra Andreeva (+550)
- Jasmine Paolini (+1600)
These players are expected to deliver thrilling performances as the tournament progresses.
Conclusion
Casper Ruud’s early exit from the French Open 2025 was a significant disappointment for the Norwegian star and his fans. His defeat, coupled with his criticism of the ATP ranking system, highlights the challenges faced by professional tennis players in balancing their pursuit of success with the demands of a grueling tour. As Ruud focuses on recovering from his injury and recalibrating his goals for the rest of the season, the French Open continues with other top players battling for the coveted title.
No Comment! Be the first one.