Ruud claims first Masters 1000 title with gritty Madrid Open victory
MADRID: Casper Ruud clinched the biggest title of his career on Sunday, defeating fifth seed Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in a thrilling Madrid Open final to win his maiden Masters 1000 crown. The Norwegian, seeded 14th, delivered a resilient display on clay, overcoming a rib injury and a strong challenge from Draper in his 18th claycourt final.
“This has been a long time coming,” said an emotional Ruud, 26, after the match. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was a kid. I had to bring my A+ game because Jack’s level was incredible.”
Ruud’s road to the title was anything but easy. He took out top contenders Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Francisco Cerundolo before the final. Against Draper, he clawed back from 3-5 down in the opening set and later held firm in the third after dropping the second to the British rising star.
Draper, 23, showed remarkable composure and power, especially in the second set, but couldn’t match Ruud’s consistency in the decider. Despite the loss, Draper’s performance ensures a rise to world No. 5 in the ATP rankings, leapfrogging Novak Djokovic.
For Ruud, already a three-time Grand Slam finalist, this Madrid triumph marks a defining moment in his career and a serious statement ahead of Roland Garros.
