In a memorable edition of the Mutua Madrid Open, marked as the first since Rafael Nadal’s absence, it was only fitting that a player with deep ties to the Spanish icon delivered the final tribute.
Casper Ruud, a product of Nadal’s academy in Manacor, rose to the occasion and captured his first-ever Masters 1000 crown by defeating Britain’s Jack Draper in a thrilling three-set final: 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
The final was a fascinating contrast in styles and a battle of mental fortitude. Draper, the British youngster who has drawn comparisons to Andy Murray, came into the match riding a wave of confidence and quickly drew first blood by breaking Ruud’s serve.
Two consecutive double faults from the Norwegian opened the door, and Draper charged through. But when it came time to serve out the first set, his nerves betrayed him. Ruud, seasoned from his previous appearances on the biggest stages, seized the moment to turn the set around.
The match continued with intense rallies and momentum shifts. Draper’s game relied heavily on raw power and flat, penetrating shots, while Casper Ruud relied on his deep, looping forehands laced with topspin and smart court positioning. The tactical battle raged on, and in the second set, Draper managed to level the match by imposing his rhythm and keeping Ruud on the defensive.
However, in the final set, the Norwegian raised his game to a new level. Known for his solid baseline play and calm demeanor, Casper Ruud began to play with more intent and offensive flair. He struck a perfect balance between consistency and controlled aggression, forcing Draper into longer rallies and capitalizing on key points. As both men battled in the closing stages, it was Ruud’s stability under pressure that tipped the scales.
With this victory, Casper Ruud not only earned his 13th ATP title but finally checked off the elusive Masters 1000 box. Until now, the Norwegian had struggled to cross the finish line in major finals, having lost Grand Slam and ATP Finals showdowns to the likes of Nadal, Djokovic, and Alcaraz.
His win in Madrid is a well-deserved breakthrough, especially considering he had admitted earlier in the tournament to dealing with mental struggles and recently began working with a psychologist.
The win also marks Ruud’s return to the ATP top 10, landing at No. 7. Meanwhile, Jack Draper’s impressive run in Madrid propels him into the top 5, confirming his status as one of the breakout stars of 2024. Draper had already claimed the Indian Wells title earlier in the year and looks poised for more success.
For Casper Ruud, this Madrid triumph is more than just another trophy—it’s a turning point. After several painful near-misses, he finally held firm on one of the sport’s grandest stages, proving his resilience and reminding the tennis world that he’s far from finished.
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