MADRID — British tennis star Jack Draper narrowly missed out on his first ATP Tour clay-court title, falling to Norway's Casper Ruud in a gripping Madrid Open final that showcased high-intensity rallies, dramatic momentum shifts, and a display of resilience from both players.
The 22-year-old Draper, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, pushed Ruud to the limit in a match that lasted two hours and 45 minutes. Despite a valiant effort, the British No. 1 succumbed 6-4, 5-7, 6-7(4) in a nail-biting third-set tiebreak, handing Ruud his second ATP Masters 1000 title.
A Battle of Contrasting Styles
The final was a fascinating clash of playing philosophies. Ruud, the seasoned clay-court specialist, relied on his heavy topspin forehand and relentless consistency, while Draper countered with explosive power, aggressive net play, and a fearless approach. "Jack was hitting the ball incredibly hard, and I had to dig deep to stay in the rallies," Ruud admitted in his post-match interview.
Draper, who had defeated top-10 players Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner en route to the final, started aggressively, breaking Ruud early in the first set. However, the Norwegian's experience on clay shone through as he adjusted his game, exploiting Draper’s occasional lapses in consistency. "I knew I had to be patient and wait for my chances," Ruud said. "Against a player like Jack, you can’t afford to rush."
Draper’s Gritty Fightback
After dropping the first set, Draper refused to fade away. He upped his first-serve percentage and began dictating play with his thunderous backhand, breaking Ruud in the 11th game of the second set to force a decider. The crowd at the Caja Mágica erupted as Draper pumped his fist, sensing a potential upset.
The third set was a rollercoaster, with both players trading breaks early. Draper saved two championship points at 5-6, showcasing nerves of steel under pressure. "I was just trying to stay in the moment," Draper later reflected. "Casper’s one of the best clay-court players in the world, so I knew I had to take risks."
Key Turning Points
The match hinged on several pivotal moments:
- Ruud’s ability to neutralize Draper’s first-strike tennis in extended rallies
- Draper’s missed break point at 3-3 in the third set after a 23-shot exchange
- Ruud’s clutch serving in the tiebreak, winning 83% of first-serve points
Post-Match Reactions
Despite the loss, Draper remained optimistic about his progress on clay. "This week has been massive for me," he said. "To reach my first Masters final on clay shows I can compete with the best on this surface. I’ll take a lot of confidence from this."
Ruud, meanwhile, praised his opponent’s rapid development. "Jack’s going to be a problem for everyone soon," he said with a smile. "He’s got all the tools—big serve, great movement, and he’s not afraid to go for his shots."
What’s Next for Both Players?
With this victory, Ruud solidified his position as a top contender for the upcoming French Open, where he has previously reached two finals. Draper, meanwhile, will rise to a career-high ranking inside the top 35, bolstering his seeding for Roland Garros.
The Madrid Open final was a testament to the depth of talent on the ATP Tour. While Ruud’s clay-court pedigree ultimately prevailed, Draper’s performance signaled his arrival as a genuine threat on all surfaces. As the tour shifts to Rome and then Paris, both players will look to build on this momentum.
For British tennis fans, Draper’s run in Madrid offers hope that a new star is emerging—one capable of challenging for major titles in the years to come. As for Ruud, his victory reaffirms his status as one of the game’s premier clay-court specialists.
The match may have ended in defeat for Draper, but the future looks undeniably bright. "I’ll learn from this," he vowed. "Next time, I’ll be ready."