"Only Novak Djokovic can play 10 tournaments a year and be No.1" as Emil Ruusuvuori berates gruelling ATP schedule
ATPThursday, 23 November 2023 at 00:28
Emil Ruusuvuori has taken aim at the ATP's demanding tennis schedule using a certain Novak Djokovic as an example in his debate against it.
Novak Djokovic famously this year has played a fairly non-existent schedule compared to most of 12 tournaments, this has seen him win most he has entered and even finishing top of the prize money list.
But for other ATP players, it is not as simple as the Finn quipped. He called out the demanding schedule needed to be a top pro which with a combination of issues with ball changes and injuries and fatigue mean that players are adversely affected.
Like the WTA though, the need is there to play with results mattering especially when you go down the rankings meaning that for some it is very much a never ending cycle.
"Yes, it surely is. The amount of travel and playing time too, but with a ranking like mine that's how this sport works. Only Novak can play ten tournaments a year and be number one (laughs)," he told Puntodebreak (as translated from Spanish).
"For the rest ... things are not so simple. We have to play a lot because there are many results that count, 19. The trips, the balls ... all that influences. Everyone says they would like to play less, but we end up playing almost every week. This is how we have to do it, that's what the circuit pushes us to do," he added.
"What I can guarantee you 100% is that it doesn't help at all that we are constantly changing conditions. I also have to take a look at my schedule with the team, put together a schedule in which I can play two weeks with the same ball, because if you change every week, you are taking too much risk."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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