ATP Madrid Masters: Ruud 2-1 Draper crowned Masters champion for the first time

In the early morning of May 4, Beijing time, the 2025 ATP Madrid Masters men's singles champion was produced, and Norway's Ruud defeated No. 5 seed Draper 7-5/3-6/6-4 in the final, winning the Masters championship for the first time in his career and becoming the first Masters champion from Norway, which is his 13th tour title. Ruud, who had missed out on the finals of the Masters in Miami 2022 and Monte Carlo in 2024, had a sluggish start to the season before regaining his life in Madrid to claim his highest title.

Ruud won her maiden Masters title in Madrid

"Of course, it's a great feeling to win the title, it's a moment I've been waiting for," Ruud said after the race, "[It was one of the big things I dreamed of when I was younger] and now it's finally happening, and it gives me an indescribable sense of satisfaction." And today was a tough game and a quality game. I know Jack [Draper] has been in great form all season, especially in this tournament, so I know that if I don't put in the best form, I could be completely overwhelmed by him. Luckily, I played really well today. This win is a huge motivation for me and I hope to continue that momentum. ”

Ruud defeated Fritz, Medvedev and Draper in Madrid to win the title, and his world ranking will return to the top 10 for the first time in two weeks this week, moving up to No. 7 and fifth in the championship standings leading to the ATP Finals. Since the 2020 season, he has won 125 tournament victories and 12 trophies on clay, both of which lead men's tennis.

Ruud's road to victory

First round: bye

Second round: 6-3, 6-4 Lindknech

Third round: 6-3, 6-3 Koda[23]

Fourth round: 7-5, 6-4 Fritz[3]

1/4 finals: 6-3, 7-5 Medvedev[9]

Semi-finals: 6-4, 7-5 F. Cerundolo[20]

Final: 7-5/3-6/6-4 Draper[5]

Ruud's fiancée, Maria, arrived the day before the final and was able to witness this milestone moment for the Norwegian. "I owe a lot of my success to the people closest to me." "My family, my friends, and my fiancée, Maria, we got engaged last year, and she's been my backbone all these years. Yesterday she made a special trip to the scene to support, and perhaps it was this last help that allowed me to successfully cross the finish line. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my company, and I feel that I am extremely lucky. ”

Prior to the Madrid Masters, Ruud had reached six major finals (Miami 2022, French Open 2022, US Open 2022, 2022 Finals, 2023 French Open, Monte Carlo 2024) and finally got his wish on his seventh attempt, winning a heavyweight title.

Ruud admitted: "My record in the finals of major tournaments is still not good, now I am 1-6. I've stepped on these big stages many times in my career, and I've had many great moments, most of which have ended in failure. But that's okay. In many ways, my career has exceeded my expectations. I've always dreamed of winning such a title, a Grand Slam or becoming the number one in the world, but now I'm very close to that. "

Despite his defeat in the final, Draper's trip to Madrid is still a highlight of Draper's season, as the 23-year-old Englishman reached his second Masters final and will rise to a personal high of No.5 in the world rankings this week, as well as move up to No.2 ahead of Zverev and Sinner in the championship standings leading up to the ATP Finals.

Kostia/Karinskaya won the Women's Doubles title in Madrid

The Madrid Open Women's Doubles title was also announced, with the unseeded pair of Kostya/Karinskaya saving one match point in the final to defeat Kudermetova/Mertens 6-7(10), 6-2, 12-10 to win their first WTA1000 doubles title.

(Text, Editor/Faye Wong, Photo/Visual China)