Casper Ruud doesn’t necessarily agree with Daniil Medvedev that the new balls on the Tour have made life of players “a struggle” as the Norwegian even thinks that it would be “unfair” if only type of ball was used because it would favor some players but not some others.
On the first day of this year’s ATP Finals, the 2021 US Open champion was in action and he made the headlines. During a two-set loss to Taylor Fritz, the Russian tennis star was visibly frustrated a couple of times – smashed his racket – and even once turned his racket the wrong way while waiting for the American’s serve.
In his press conference, Medvedev once again ranted about balls used on the Tour. This time, he said that “every match and practice was a struggle” and that players staying with him in rallies wasn’t surprising because the balls allow it. Also, the 28-year-old openly confessed that he doesn’t enjoy playing tennis anymore and it is all because of the balls.
After upsetting Carlos Alcaraz in his opener in Turin, world No. 7 Ruud was asked about the Russian’s comments. The three-time Grand Slam finalist agreed that the constant ball changes can be tricky but it also gives more opportunities and there is a bigger room to having different winners.
“The thing with the balls is for me, how I look at it, each tournament has the right and possibility to have whatever ball they want to play with, which sometimes can be an issue. I understand if you have a stretch of four tournaments in the same continent and they all use four different balls, it can be difficult and challenging. At the same time you have certain players they like the ATP Dunlop ball, some players they prefer the Wilson ball, some players they prefer the Tecnifibre ball. If you just stick to one ball, it would be in a way a bit unfair for whoever likes the Tecnifibre ball. It will give less chances to a guy who prefers a Wilson over a Dunlop ball,” Ruud explained.
“In a way it’s the beauty of the game. It’s nice because you’ll have different winners. Personally, let’s say I don’t really like the Penn ball. I can say it out loud. Luckily for me it’s only used in Indian Wells. It is not like I don’t need Indian Wells to change the balls because I think whoever likes Penn ball, good for them. When they come to clay and a Dunlop ball, I’ll prefer it. Maybe a player doesn’t like that ball.”
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Ruud: Yes, it can be challenging, but…
One of the most repeated complains about the balls used on the ATP and WTA Tours is that they quickly get ruined and “fluffy.” Some have claimed that there is a direct link between the rising number of injuries and balls used.
The Norwegian tennis star didn’t deny what some of his colleagues have been saying but he isn’t looking at it negatively as some others.
“For me it’s challenging. I feel also on an indoor hard court, when it’s rough and kind of grainy on top, they fluff up a little bit too much. It’s difficult because you have all the players kind of ripping the ball these days. The balls don’t last maybe the way they used to do or with slicker courts. I understand and I get also I think the balls get too fluffy and big at times,” Ruud added.
“Different balls kind of gives the opportunity for different and other more players kind of having potentially a good week and liking that particular ball. So let’s see what happens in the future. I think there maybe needs to be somewhat more consistency with the ball. At the same time I think it also leads to more opportunities when you have different balls at different tournaments.”
Meanwhile, Ruud made a lightning start to his ATP Finals campaign after dismantling Alcaraz 6-1 7-5.
In the first set, they were tied to one game apiece before the Norwegian claimed back-to-back breaks and won the next five games to seal the first set. After easily losing the first set, the Spaniard bounced back midway through the second set, taking a 5-2 lead. But Ruud didn’t panic, responding with breaks in the ninth and 11th games to win five games in a row – overturn the deficit – and complete a two-set win.
On Wednesday, the world No. 7 will take on Alexander Zverev, who defeated Andrey Rublev in his first match in Turin. Going into the match, the German owns a 3-2 head-to-head record against the Norwegian.
If Ruud also beats Zverev, he will make the knockout stage at the ATP Finals for the third time.