Jack Draper defeated by Casper Ruud in Madrid Open final
Draper, up to fifth in the world rankings after his brilliant run in the Spanish capital and bidding for a second ATP 1000 title in two months following his Indian Wells triumph in mid-March, fell short against the Norwegian, who triumphed 7-5 3-6 6-4 in just under two and a half hours.
All the work, all the dedication. This moment is what it's all for ❤️
Congratulations Champion Casper 👏#ItAllAddsUp | @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/2JfZzUxMr4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 4, 2025
Draper looked to be in control early in the first set as he set off in pursuit of a first ATP clay-court crown, forcing the first break of serve to lead 3-1, but from 5-3 down Ruud launched a superb counter-offensive.
The 14th seed reeled off four successive games, breaking back to level it up at 5-5 and taking the first set in 52 minutes.
The turnaround left Draper furious as he remonstrated with himself and his coach, but he quickly regrouped to play solidly before ripping a forehand winner to break Ruud for a second time and move 4-3 ahead.
Draper then showed resilience to fend off two break points in the next game to move 5-3 up before winning against the Ruud serve for the third time in the match to level it up at one set each.
The Briton produced a pivotal hold at 1-1 in the decider, surviving three break points in a game that lasted over 10 minutes to edge 2-1 ahead.
Both players came under heavy pressure on serve, with Draper letting slip two break points as Ruud drew level at 2-2 before winning the next two games to move 4-2 in front.
Draper was a point away from going 5-2 down, but dug deep to hold and trail 4-3, and after both players won their next service games, Ruud served for the title at 5-4.
The 26-year-old produced two excellent forehands to seal his first Masters 1000 title and climb back into the world top 10.
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