Ruud rules Madrid Open

MADRID – Casper Ruud beat Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Sunday to clinch Madrid Open victory and the first Masters 1000 triumph of his career.

The Norwegian, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, got the better of his British opponent in a two-and-a-half hour tussle at the Manolo Santana stadium.

Rising star Draper, who will move fifth in the world rankings on Monday above Novak Djokovic, was hoping to add to his Indian Wells title in March but Ruud outlasted him in his third Masters final.

“It feels great, of course, it’s been a long time coming, it’s one really big goal that I have dreamt about since I was young,” said Ruud.

Draper had been looking for the first clay court title of his career.

“Congratulations to Casper on this win, you really deserve it – you were braver than me in the key moments,” said Draper.