Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud secured his first career Masters 1000 title on Sunday, defeating Britain’s Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in a fiercely contested Madrid Open final. The three-hour battle marked a career milestone for the 26-year-old, who overcame a rib injury sustained during the semifinals and showcased resilience against the rising British fifth seed.
Ruud, known for his clay-court expertise, delivered a tactical masterclass despite physical challenges. After rallying from 5-3 down in the first set with four consecutive games, he navigated Draper’s powerful serves and aggressive baseline play to clinch victory. "I knew Jack was playing unbelievably," Ruud said post-match. "This title means everything after coming close in previous Grand Slam and Masters finals."
Draper, 23, earned praise for his tenacity, saving critical break points and pushing the match to a decisive third set. Though falling short in the final, the Indian Wells champion will rise to a career-high No. 5 in the ATP rankings, surpassing Novak Djokovic.
The Madrid Open victory strengthens Ruud’s reputation ahead of the French Open, where he reached finals in 2022 and 2023. For Draper, the tournament highlighted his potential as a future contender in major competitions.
