Casper Ruud wins first Masters 1000 title at Madrid Open
Norway’s Casper Ruud captured the first ATP Masters 1000 title of his career on Sunday, defeating rising British star Jack Draper in a thrilling 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 final at the 2025 Madrid Open. The 26-year-old finally broke through on the elite stage after previously falling short in two Masters finals, adding this significant trophy to his growing list of career achievements.
“This feels great — it’s been a long time coming,” said Ruud. “It’s one of the really big goals I’ve dreamt about since I was young.”
Ruud’s Mental Fortitude Shines in Key Moments
The closely contested match saw Ruud overcome early nerves and a determined Draper, who was bidding for his second Masters title of the season after winning Indian Wells in March. Draper, who will now rise to World No. 5 in the ATP Rankings, initially looked in control after breaking Ruud for a 2-1 lead in the first set.
However, Ruud’s resilience was evident. The Norwegian broke back at 5-5 and held serve to take the opener — the first set Draper had lost all tournament — before clinching the set as Draper misfired on a crucial forehand.
Draper responded with authority in the second set, delivering clean, aggressive tennis while minimizing errors. He broke Ruud in the seventh and ninth games, taking the set 6-3 to level the match and shift momentum.
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Third Set Drama Ends in Ruud’s Historic Win
The decider featured long, intense rallies and high-pressure holds, particularly from Draper, who saved multiple break points early on. But Ruud struck in the fifth game, earning the decisive break before holding steady in his final two service games.
Despite Draper’s push to stay alive, Ruud remained composed, serving out the match at 5-4. On his first match point, he forced a Draper return long — sealing his maiden Masters 1000 triumph.
Draper: “This Sport is brutal, but I’ll be back”
Speaking after the match, the 23-year-old Draper praised Ruud’s performance:
“Congratulations to Casper on this win — you really deserve it. You were braver than me in the key moments. This sport is brutal, but I will keep trying. I think this loss will make me better.”
Despite the defeat, Draper’s run in Madrid ensures his place among the ATP’s elite, leapfrogging Novak Djokovic in the latest rankings.
Madrid Open Final Snapshot:
- Champion: Casper Ruud (Norway)
- Runner-up: Jack Draper (United Kingdom)
- Score: 7-5, 3-6, 6-4
- Title Significance: Ruud’s 1st ATP Masters 1000 title (13th career title overall)
- Ranking Impact: Draper moves to World No. 5, Ruud back into Top 10 contention
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