After 2 unsuccessful attempts in Miami and Monte Carlo, Norway’s Casper Ruud clinched his first ATP Masters 1000 title on Sunday at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, defeating Britain’s Jack Draper 7–5, 3–6, 6–4 in a high-stakes final.
Breaking through on the big stage
Ruud, 26, had previously fallen short in major finals, including three Grand Slam runner-up finishes and two Masters 1000 defeats in Miami (2022, against Alcaraz) and Monte Carlo (2024, against Tsitsipas). However, on the clay courts of the Caja Mágica, the 14th seed demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude, rallying from a 3–5 deficit in the opening set to seize it 7–5. Despite Draper’s resurgence in the second set, Ruud secured a pivotal break in the decider and held his nerve to close out the match in just under two and a half hours. “It’s been a long journey to this point,” Ruud reflected post-match. “I’ve learned from every final, every setback. Today, I stayed calm, trusted my game, and it paid off.”
“I’m proud of my progress” commented Draper
Although Draper fell short in Madrid, his performance underscores a meteoric rise in 2025. The 23-year-old Briton, who claimed his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells earlier this year, has now reached finals on all three surfaces—clay, grass, and hard court—becoming the youngest British man in the Open Era to do so. His path to the Madrid final included victories over top-tier opponents (Paul, Musetti) and this tournament in Spain have propelled him to a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 5, surpassing Novak Djokovic. “Casper played incredibly well,” Draper acknowledged. “I’m proud of my progress and will use this experience to keep improving.”
Looking ahead
Both players now turn their attention to the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, a crucial precursor to Roland Garros. Ruud, buoyed by his Madrid success, aims to maintain his momentum, while Draper seeks to build on his impressive form as the clay season progresses.