Ruud Speaks on the Difficulty of the Schedule: "There Are Times When I Wish the Season Were Shorter"
Qualified for the Madrid Masters 1000 final, Casper Ruud hopes to finally secure a title in this tournament category after his first failure last year in Monte-Carlo.
During a press conference, the Norwegian took the time to address the questions and issues surrounding the current schedule. Like some of his peers, he would like to see changes:
"When you see everyone else playing every week or completing a full season, you push yourself to do the same. There are obviously days and moments when I wish the season were shorter. I wish we could have more time to rest and not think about tennis. But that’s not the case, and the schedule is what it is.
If you finish the season in the Top 30, there are 28 or 29 mandatory weeks of competition to play the following year. The Grand Slams count for eight weeks. Then, seven of the nine Masters 1000s now last two weeks. And finally, five ATP 500s must be played during the year.
If you don’t show up for these events, the penalties can be quite severe. Players are starting to feel it’s a bit too much. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve felt it myself."
Madrid 
