Ruud shines at the Grand Slams and explains the top-20 initiative: "It's time to react"

Streaming ATP Marrakech MD live tennis

🎾 Nouza/Rikl vs Arneodo/Guinard

* You can watch and bet on this match live here..

Yesterday, a piece of news shook the foundations of the tennis world. Times of change are upon us, and it seems that it's the players who are willing to do everything possible to change the game board... or at least adapt it so that they take the lead. The demand of the PTPA stirred up the hornet's nest and made many aware of the power and alternatives that can -and must- be sought: following it came the letter from the top 20 male and female players to the Grand Slams calling for a fairer redistribution of the earnings generated by these entities. ATP, WTA, and Grand Slams facing the pressure of players all at the same time... a horizon called for by many voices. Casper Ruud is one of the most vocal.

Because the Norwegian has had no qualms about explaining the foundations and the origin of a formal claim that could initiate a new era in the economic ecosystem of racket sports. Casper is getting ready to compete in the UTS in Nîmes, France, and met with AFP to discuss the 'supposed' letter sent to the Grand Slams, a letter confirmed by members of the French Tennis Federation. Due to legal issues, Ruud did not want to confirm whether it was sent or not... but he did not hold back in labeling the current distribution as "unjust."

"I can't go into details, but it's definitely a possibility that this (the letter signed by the top 20 to the four Grand Slams) happened. I think people, above all, don't know much about the earnings distribution in the Grand Slams, neither how they generate that money nor how they distribute it. The earnings we players receive represent, on average, 15% of what a Grand Slam generates. I don't think that's fair. Major world leagues, like the NFL, MLB, or NBA, are around 50%", explained Ruud, who emphasized the need to balance the scales and distribute a larger share of the pie to the true protagonists of the game.

"IN A FAIR WORLD..."

Casper wasn't very hopeful about achieving total equality soon, but he believes steps can be taken forward that gradually reduce such a gap. "In an ideal world, the distribution between tournament and players would be 50%. I don't think we'll ever get there, but we can get close: each percentage helps", said the Norwegian, shifting the focus to those players who exit early, who 'live' off the Grand Slams and could therefore receive the greatest boost of all.

"Those who don't necessarily earn millions year after year know that a few hundred or thousand dollars more can make the difference. If you look at the USTA and the US Open, they generate over 500 million dollars, and distribute from 65 to 70. I don't think it's fair that we get paid 15% when, to me, players are as important as the tournament. For example, in recent years, the Slams have decided to start their tournaments a day earlier, with the exception of Wimbledon. Most of them make these kinds of decisions without even consulting the players, without asking us. These tournaments have made certain decisions in recent years that have made us realize it's time to react, ask for a meeting, and discuss these issues." Will that letter lead to something? Will the distribution change soon and economically influence all players' pockets? Only time will provide answers... but the winds, it seems, are changing on the circuit.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ruud atiza a los Grand Slams y explica la iniciativa del top-20: "Es momento de reaccionar"