Too long, too expensive": Casper Ruud criticizes the extension of Masters 1000 tournaments

Increased fatigue, higher expenses, slower pace... The two-time Roland-Garros finalist shares his feelings about the reform that has disrupted the ATP calendar in recent seasons. According to him, tennis is losing intensity and balance.

Of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments in the calendar, seven are now played over twelve days, leaving only Monte-Carlo and Paris in the old format. This change has sparked numerous discussions throughout the season, with many players speaking out against a format that is more demanding than ever.

Casper Ruud, who is competing in Stockholm this week and has qualified for the quarterfinals, discussed this Masters 1000 reform.

In comments reported by Punto Debreak, the Norwegian, like his colleagues, admits preferring tournaments that last one week:

"Personally, I'm not a fan of this extension of the Masters 1000. It means you spend more time away from home. Monte-Carlo and Paris perfectly illustrate the speed and intensity of the Masters 1000.

As a tennis fan, I find it more exciting when there's as much intensity and demanding matches from the start. But in theory, this two-week format should help the sport, so for us, more revenue and prize money. I understand that perspective.

I've experienced both scenarios: winning a Masters 1000 over two weeks and losing in the first round. In both cases, it feels too long to me.

If you lose in the first round at Indian Wells, you have Miami in two weeks. That's two weeks of expenses between accommodation, food, and team salaries. And you have to stay in the United States.

Of course, we receive financial compensation in the form of bonuses at the end of the year. But we need to play to earn them. I feel like the ATP is going in one direction and the players in another.