Casper Ruud clinched his first Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open, defeating Jack Draper in a thrilling final. The victory sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fellow tennis stars, including Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, and Boris Becker. This win marks a significant milestone for the Norwegian, who had previously struggled in major finals.
A Dream Realized: Ruud’s Road to Victory
Ruud’s journey to the Madrid Open title was marked by impressive wins against higher-ranked players. He defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the third round and Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals. In the final, he overcame a tough challenge from Jack Draper, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. Ruud expressed his relief and joy after the win, acknowledging the difficulty of succeeding in major tournaments. “It is a mix somewhat of a relief and happiness and just pure joy,” Ruud said. “I know, based on the last years that I’ve had on tour, how tough it is to do well at the biggest tournaments, and I’ve never been able to get over the finish line as a champion, but today I was able to”.
Draper, seeking his first clay court title, praised Ruud’s performance. “Congratulations to Casper on this win, you really deserve it — you were braver than me in the key moments,” Draper said. “This sport is brutal but I will keep trying, I think this loss will make me better”.
The Final Showdown
The final match was a display of skill and determination from both players. Ruud rallied from 5-3 down in the first set to take the lead. Draper fought back to win the second set, but Ruud ultimately prevailed in the decisive third set. The final set saw intense competition, with Ruud breaking in the fifth game and consolidating for a 4-2 lead. Despite Draper’s resistance, Ruud secured the victory on his first match point.
Messages of Support: A Champion’s Circle
Ruud’s victory was celebrated by the tennis community, with many players and coaches offering their congratulations.
Rafael Nadal’s Endorsement
Rafael Nadal, who Ruud has trained with at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor for seven years, was among the first to congratulate Ruud. Nadal posted on X (formerly Twitter): “👏🏻 @CasperRuud98 👏🏻Congratulations! So happy for you and your team! Well deserved! 😃💪🏼”. Nadal and his sister Maribel also congratulated Ruud by posting stories on Instagram.
Becker and Swiatek Join the Chorus
Former ATP No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker lauded Ruud’s efforts. Iga Swiatek also joined in congratulating Ruud on his Madrid Open victory.
Family Pride
Casper Ruud’s sisters, Caroline and Charlotte, shared heartfelt congratulatory messages on social media.
A Career Milestone: Ruud’s Ascent
The Madrid Open title is the biggest win of Ruud’s career, marking his first-ever Masters 1000 title. It also propelled him back into the top 10 of the ATP men’s singles rankings. Ruud is currently ranked No. 7 after his Madrid Open title. This victory is a significant boost for Ruud, who has been a consistent performer on the tour. He has more titles (12) on clay than any other player since the start of 2020. As a result, the two-time Roland Garros finalist is set to return to the ATP’s Top 10 rankings.
Looking Ahead
Ruud’s success in Madrid sets the stage for a promising future. With his first Masters 1000 title under his belt, he will be looking to continue his momentum in the upcoming tournaments.
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