'Knew if I don’t bring my A+ game, I’d be whooped': Casper Ruud weathers Jack Draper storm to win masterful Madrid Open

Casper Ruud took down Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to seal the title at the Madrid Open and he joked that he needed to bring his A game or he would be whooped.

Ruud has the biggest title of his career which is kind of surprising given his domination on European clay in the past few years. But he showed this week that he is very much still the example in these tournaments.

Ruud will hope that with the big names not firing and Jannik Sinner only coming back next week that he can manage to steal the thunder and potentially make a run that gleams a maiden Grand Slam. He praised Draper though to the hilt after claiming the title.

The Brit has been a real story and goes into next week as a top five player. “Great of course. It’s been a long time coming.. something I dreamed about since I was young. It’s a really great feeling to accomplish it. The way I did it today was a great match. I knew Jack had been playing unbelievably all year. Especially this tournament," said Ruud on court afterwards.

"I knew if I don’t bring my A+ game, I’d be whooped around the court, luckily I played really well. Jack is such an incredible player on any surface now. He’s won titles on every surface except for here. And he’s made a final now here in Madrid. It’s an incredible year he’s having. This is a really good boost for me. I hope I can keep it going.”

He had more kind words too about Draper during the ceremony. “Jack, thank you for your nice words. What a player you are already at a young age. A player you’ve become on all surfaces. You’re a threat to everyone now. Doesn’t matter where. Doesn’t matter when. I think the sky is the limit for you. So unbelievable effort these couple weeks.. your team as well. Keep going. It’s an honor to watch you play. Luckily it was my day today.”

Match Statistics Ruud vs. Draper