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Three-time Grand Slam finalist and former world No. 2 Casper Ruud won the biggest title of his career on Sunday, charging past Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the Mutua Madrid Open final.

The victory marks Ruud’s first ATP Masters 1000 title—making him the first Norwegian player to ever win at this level—and his first since last year’s Geneva victory.

“It’s been a long time coming, and it’s one really big goal that I dreamed about since I was young,” Ruud said of his first 1000 trophy. “It’s an incredible feeling to accomplish it, and also the way I did it today. It was a great match.

“I knew Jack had been playing unbelievable all year and also at this tournament. I knew that if I don’t bring my A, A, A+ game I’m going to be whipped around the court. But luckily I played really well…

“This is a really good boost for me, I hope I can keep it going.”

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MATCH POINT: Casper Ruud defeats Jack Draper to win biggest title in Madrid

Coming into the match, Ruud was the ATP Tour’s undisputed clay-court leader, with more wins (124), finals (17) and titles (11) than any other player since the start of the 2020 season. He’s only extended his dominance on the surface with his win over Draper: 12 of his 13 career titles have now come on clay.

As a result, the two-time Roland Garros finalist is set to return to the ATP’s Top 10 rankings come Monday as world No. 7. Ruud is currently ranked No. 15, having dipped in the rankings after being unable to defend last year’s Monte Carlo final points.

Read More: Jack Draper set to break into Top 5 on ATP rankings, joining Rafael Nadal on exclusive list

Draper will reach a career-high of his own, set to make his Top 5 debut after Madrid.

More to follow…

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