Casper Ruud Claims Seventh Title at Madrid Open Tournament
Rewritten Article:
*AP, MADRID
In a jovial mood post-victory, Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis sensation, playfully declared that lucky number seven was his charm after clinching the Madrid Open title, his most prestigious trophy to date. The 26-year-old claimed victory against Jack Draper in an exhilarating three-set battle, triumphing with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at the Caja Magica.
Draper, the rising star who leapfrogged Novak Djokovic to rank fifth in the world, aimed to add to his Indian Wells title (claimed in March) but succumbed to Ruud's tenacity in his third Masters final.
Reflecting on his success, Ruud humorously commented, "Seven is my lucky number, I suppose. Seven big finals I've been in, if you count them all. It was worth the wait, ultimately. I've never been too close in any of the finals I've played previously, mostly losing in straight sets."
After experiencing several setbacks on the big stages, such as losing the ATP Finals last year to Djokovic, Ruud expressed relief and joy at clinching his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid.
"It's a strange mix of relief and happiness, to be honest. I know how challenging it is to excel in the major tournaments, and I've never managed to cross the finish line as a champion. But today, I did," he shared.
Draper entered the tournament eying his first clay-court title, but Ruud proved to be the more resilient competitor. The contest saw several twists and turns, with each player showcasing their prowess and grit.
In the opening set, Ruud faltered slightly, committing double faults to surrender an early break for 2-1. However, in his seventh game, Ruud upped his power, demonstrating his caliber, hinting at the fightback that was to follow. Serving for the set, Draper failed to capitalize, with Ruud breaking back to tie the set at 5-5. Ruud then clinched the set, leaving Draper visibly frustrated.
buoyed by his improved performance in the second set, Draper dominated, committing just one unforced error and showcasing his explosive forehand. The Briton broke for a 4-3 lead, saved two break points in the eighth game, and broke again to clinch the set, securing victory on his third set point.
In the deciding set, Draper saved three break points to hold in a nerve-wracking third game, which lasted over ten minutes. Ruud broke in the fifth game and consolidated for a commanding 4-2 lead, with his historic title within reach after amassing 25 ATP titles at the 250 and 500 levels.
The tiring Draper saved a break point in the seventh game despite being docked a first serve for a time violation, and Ruud held for 5-3, leaving Draper serving to stay in the match. Draper fought valiantly, holding to love, forcing Ruud to serve it out.
Ruud, undaunted, powered through his final service game, securing three match points, and closing out the victory as Draper sent a return into the stands.
"I honestly feel like I'm just starting my journey," Draper shared post-match. "I'll keep pushing and improving, and these tough moments will fuel my determination to keep driving myself to be better."
Photo: AFP
[1] Grand Slam Record (Losses):
- French Open 2022: Lost to Rafael Nadal.
- French Open 2023: Lost to Novak Djokovic.
- US Open 2022: Lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
- Australian Open 2025 (not specified): Lost in straight sets.
[2] ATP Finals Record:
- 2022 ATP Finals: Lost to Novak Djokovic.
[3] Masters 1000 Record:
- Monte Carlo 2024: Lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- Madrid Open 2025: Won against Jack Draper.
Casper Ruud, having clinched the Madrid Open title, expressed his gratitude for his lucky number seven, a recurring theme in his major tournaments where he has played seven big finals. Amidst the competition, tennis prospect Jack Draper, aiming to add to his Indian Wells title, displayed resilience against Ruud but ultimately fell in his third Masters final due to Ruud's tenacity.
