Winner – Casper Ruud
The Norwegian has finally done it! The three-time Grand Slam finalist (Roland Garros 2022 and 2023, US Open 2022) and twice a Masters 1000 runner-up (Miami 2022, Monte Carlo 2024) captured the most significant title of his career on Sunday by defeating an aggressive Jack Draper. Though not the favorite, Ruud’s experience and potent topspin proved decisive, making him the first Norwegian to win a Masters 1000 title. He dropped only one set during the fortnight (3–6 in the final against Draper), but his path was anything but easy: Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, Francisco Cerúndolo (who had eliminated Zverev), and Draper all stood in his way. With this victory, Ruud climbs eight spots to No. 7 in the ATP rankings, firmly establishing himself as a contender for the upcoming tournaments in Rome and Roland Garros. His triumph is a testament to perseverance and clay-court mastery, honed since his formative years at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
Loser – Ben Shelton
While his run to the 2023 US Open semifinals showcased his potential, Ben Shelton’s performances in Masters 1000 events have been underwhelming. Since early 2024, he has suffered eight early exits within the first three matches across 12 tournaments. Despite possessing a formidable serve with a monstrous kick, the 22-year-old American struggled in Madrid. He narrowly defeated ATP No. 99 Mariano Navone in a grueling 2-hour-19-minute match (4–6, 7–6(5), 6–3) before being swiftly ousted by Jakub Menšík in just over an hour (6–1, 6–4). As other young talents rise, Shelton needs a breakthrough to reaffirm his place among the next generation’s elite.
Winner – Jack Draper
The recent Indian Wells champion continued his impressive form, reaching the Madrid final and demonstrating his versatility across all surfaces. Now ranked World No. 5, surpassing Novak Djokovic, Draper’s ascent is undeniable. After early exits in Miami and Monte Carlo, his aggressive playing style and left-handed serve-and-volley proved effective on clay. Victories over Tallon Griekspoor, Matteo Berrettini, Tommy Paul, Matteo Arnaldi, and Lorenzo Musetti highlighted his adaptability. Though he fell short against Ruud, Draper’s performance solidified his status as a formidable contender on the ATP Tour.
Loser – Arthur Fils
Arthur Fils entered Madrid with momentum, having reached quarterfinals in the first three Masters 1000 events of the year and two consecutive losses to Carlos Alcaraz on clay. However, with Alcaraz withdrawing before the tournament, expectations were high for Fils. Unfortunately, he suffered a surprising defeat in the first round to Argentina’s Francisco Comesaña, ranked outside the top 100, losing 7–6(4), 6–4. This early exit was a setback for the young Frenchman, who had been showing promise on the circuit.
Loser – Novak Djokovic
When you’ve won everything in tennis, is motivation for a Masters 1000 event, especially one you’ve already claimed three times, still present? Novak Djokovic’s early exit in Madrid, losing in the second round to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi (6–3, 6–4), raised questions about his current form and future ambitions. This defeat marked his third consecutive loss and highlighted a challenging period for the 37-year-old, who has also withdrawn from the upcoming Rome Masters. With only two clay-court matches played this season, both ending in defeat, Djokovic’s preparation for Roland Garros appears less than ideal.
