Casper Ruud has finally done it. The Norwegian tennis star lifted the biggest trophy of his career on the red clay of Madrid, clinching his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 title at the Mutua Madrid Open. In a dramatic final on Sunday, Ruud held off the surging Brit, Jack Draper, in a gritty three-set battle, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to etch his name into Masters history.
This triumph is more than just a title—it’s a culmination of years of steady progress, heartbreaks in big finals, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the ATP Tour. For Ruud, who had previously fallen short in Masters 1000 and Grand Slam finals, Sunday’s victory was as sweet as it gets.
A Match Worthy of a Final
The Madrid final lived up to its billing, with both players displaying their finest clay-court tennis in front of an energetic Spanish crowd. Ruud, known for his powerful forehand, heavy topspin, and clay-court mastery, started strong, using precise placement and deep baseline rallies to push Draper into uncomfortable positions.
Draper, however, showed incredible resilience in the second set, breaking Ruud early and capitalizing on short balls to take control. His aggressive play and improved movement made it clear why he had made it this far in the tournament. Draper leveled the match at one set all, setting the stage for a tense decider.
In the final set, Ruud’s experience and consistency shone through. He stayed mentally composed, broke Draper at a crucial moment, and held his nerve in a tight service game to close out the match. As Draper’s final shot sailed long, Ruud dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion—his long-awaited breakthrough was finally a reality.
The Road to the Title
Ruud’s path to the Madrid title was anything but easy. He battled past top-seeded players and showcased incredible endurance and focus throughout the week. Notably, his semifinal win was a standout performance, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best clay-court players in the world.
This Madrid win marks Ruud’s 11th ATP title, but it stands in a class of its own. It is his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy—an elite category of tournaments just below the Grand Slams—and it firmly positions him among the very best in men’s tennis.
For Draper, A Breakthrough of His Own
Though he fell short in the final, Jack Draper deserves massive credit for an incredible tournament. The young Brit reached his first Masters 1000 final with poise and power, defeating several higher-ranked players along the way. His runner-up finish will not only boost his confidence but also significantly improve his ATP ranking and reputation.
Draper, only in his early twenties, showed he belongs on this stage and that more finals—and potentially titles—are well within reach.
A Champion for Norway
Ruud’s victory is historic for Norwegian tennis. He becomes the first player from Norway to win an ATP Masters 1000 title, an achievement that will inspire a new generation of athletes back home. For a nation with limited tennis history, Ruud has become a symbol of belief and excellence on the international stage.
As the clay season continues, this win in Madrid puts Ruud in prime position heading into Roland Garros. With renewed confidence and the biggest win of his career in his pocket, the clay master from Norway might just have more history to write.