The 26-year-old won his biggest title this season when he secured the Masters 1000 title in Madrid, and the tennis star calls it a memorable year. However, he is not fully satisfied with the way he has performed in 2025 so far.

But Ruud is still aiming to end a long season with a spot in the ATP Finals, despite currently being nearly 1,000 points away from the number eight spot in the live race to Turin.

Speaking of ending a long season, Ruud pointed out the fact that the ATP calendar is still too long, specifically mentioning the Paris Masters as an issue. He also commented on the economic motivation to play as many tournaments as possible, as the players get a cut in the bonus if they miss out on a mandatory event.

A season of highs and lows for Ruud

As mentioned earlier, Ruud won the biggest title of his career, but on the other hand, the Norwegian failed to win back-to-back matches in the Grand Slams this season. Hence, Ruud is not super satisfied with his 2025 season.

“It has been a mixture of highs and lows,” Ruud tells Bolavip. “This is the first season where I have experienced being out a few weeks in a row with my knee. That was a new challenge, obviously.

“It was a memorable season because of the Madrid title, but I am not sitting here being super satisfied overall. There were too many early losses in tournaments, but I try to learn from those. Like I said, it will be memorable because I won the biggest title in my career this year, and I was playing some really good tennis during that time.”

All or nothing mentality

The 26-year-old still has a chance of reaching the ATP Finals, however, it will require some massive results at the end of the season. He says that he is still hoping to qualify for the prestigious event.

“The season is not over yet, and I hope I can finish it strong and maybe climb my way towards having a chance to reach the ATP Finals. But it is going to be really tough, so I am just trying to play well these last three weeks, and then we will see after Paris,” Ruud adds.

“If you are finishing 11 or 15, I mean, what is going to make the difference? Nothing, in my opinion, so it is kind of all or nothing at this point. I am going to try to use that as a motivation and give it a final push.

“There are other players in the same situation. The race is always like this. I will focus on one match at a time and not on points and that stuff, because last year I was thinking too much about points.”

Ruud understands Djokovic

Novak Djokovic recently made a comment about the scheduling, which got a lot of attention, with one of the things being said that the players are not united enough and investing enough time into changing things.

Multiple players have recently criticized the number of tournaments and matches, and Ruud, who has played 47 matches this season and dealt with an injury, backs Djokovic.

“Of course, Novak has a point,” Ruud explains. “He has more experience than any other player. Sure, you can pick and choose in a way, because we are not hired by the ATP, we are bosses of our own schedule. What I criticized and talked about at the French Open was that there is an economic motivation to play and not skip any Masters 1000s with the bonus and everything.

“But yeah, sure, if you are in the top 10, top 15, you make a lot of money, but you also spend a lot of money with all the expenses that you have, so you don’t want to miss out on any money if you don’t need to.”

Ruud continues by saying that there is an economic motivation to play, as the players will be punished financially if they don’t play the mandatory events.

“I know that if you are not healthy or not eligible to play, you won’t be put in jail if you don’t play, but there is also an economic incentive to play, and some people care more about it than others. But I think the season is long,” he says.

Planning changes

While the schedule has been demanding for Ruud, the Norwegian is taking it as a lesson to prepare things differently next season, hoping to find more consistencty throughout the year.

“To have a mandatory event like Paris that late in the season makes the season really, really long. It’s the same for everyone, but going forward I will plan the schedule a bit differently, maybe skipping a few events here and there.

“I had a very hectic 3–4 years since I reached the top 10. I played a lot of events, and I played some exhibitions in the preseason, so those are some choices that I have made, which I look back on and think I shouldn’t have done. For the future, that is something I will take into consideration.”

Ruud is seeded as number two, with Holger Rune being the top-seeded player in Stockholm, where Bolavip will be present all week.

In an interview, Ruud proclaimed Novak Djokovic not just as the GOAT in tennis, but across all sporting disciplines. “Novak is the greatest athlete of all time. While LeBron James might excel in some physical attributes, Novak stands out as the best athlete there has ever been,” Ruud asserted.

While many have crowned LeBron as the GOAT in basketball, particularly in the NBA, the discourse shifts when considering other sports. It’s a challenge to predict if James could outdo Djokovic, or vice versa, in a comprehensive athletic contest that spans multiple sports.

Ruud further extended his bold claims by suggesting that Djokovic would prevail over Brady in a physical competition. He emphasized that his intention was not to make direct cross-sport comparisons, but rather to imply Djokovic’s superior athleticism.

“I don’t mean to compare sports—it’s largely impractical. Yet, if we assess Novak against Tom Brady, for instance, while Brady is undeniably the greatest in NFL history, Novak would outmatch him in most athletic tests,” Ruud explained, referencing the NFL’s widely regarded GOAT.

Why Djokovic could be considered the GOAT

While Ruud’s statement is purely subjective, it’s grounded in Djokovic’s monumental achievements in tennis. He stands as a formidable figure in the sport’s history, boasting an illustrious career filled with unparalleled accomplishments that compel many to consider him in the conversation as the GOAT in all sports arenas.

• Most men’s singles Grand Slam titles: With 24 titles, Djokovic holds the all-time record for most men’s singles major championships.
• Triple career Grand Slam: He is the only man in tennis history to win each of the four Grand Slam tournaments at least three times.
• Titles by Tournament:
  • Australian Open: 10 titles (a men’s record)
  • French Open: 3 titles
  • Wimbledon: 7 titles
  • US Open: 4 titles

• ATP Tour and Ranking Milestones
  • Most Weeks at World No. 1: Djokovic holds the all-time record for the most weeks spent as the world’s top-ranked men’s singles player, with over 428 weeks.
  • Most Year-End No. 1 Finishes: He has finished the year as the world’s No. 1 player a record eight times.
  • Career Golden Masters: He is the only player to have won all nine active ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, a feat he has accomplished twice.
  • Most ATP Masters 1000 Titles: With 40 titles, he holds the record for the most Masters 1000 championships.
  • ATP Finals: He has won the ATP Finals, the year-end championship, a record seven times.
• Other Notable Achievements
  • Olympic Gold Medal: He won the men’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, completing a “Career Golden Slam.”
  • Career Super Slam: Djokovic is one of only two men in history (along with Andre Agassi) to have won all four majors, the Olympic gold medal, and the ATP Finals.
  • 100+ Career Singles Titles: He became only the third man in the Open Era to win 100 ATP Tour singles titles.
  • Davis Cup Champion: He led the Serbian national team to victory in the 2010 Davis Cup.

When comparing the legendary careers of Brady and James with the one from Djokovic, the debate over their impact is endless. Both athletes have left indelible marks on their respective sports, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. To truly determine who stands as the greatest of all time, one must consider a myriad of factors, including championship success, individual accolades, and their influence on the game.

Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist in 2022 and 2023, was defeated by World No. 41 Nuno Borges in a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 match where a knee injury hampered his performance. With this loss, Ruud is projected to fall to World No. 13 in the ATP Rankings and could slip further to No. 14 if Arthur Fils defeats Jaume Munar in the second round.

“Certain movements out there are kind of what makes it painful. Certain shots are painful to do,” Ruud said in his post-match press conference. “When you’re playing matches, you can’t really control it in the same way [as in practice]. You do everything you can to get to every ball. Sometimes you kind of forget that this is a shot I shouldn’t go for. It’s been okay in practice because, like I said, I’m able to control it a bit more. When you play a match, you go full on, no matter what happens”.

Tsitsipas, the 2021 Roland Garros finalist, suffered an even more shocking upset, losing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 to World No. 167 Matteo Gigante. Tsitsipas is now projected to drop out of the ATP Top 20, falling to World No. 25 and potentially slipping to No. 26 if Flavio Cobolli defeats Matteo Arnaldi in his second-round match.

As for Gigante, his triumph not only sets him on course for a career-high ranking of World No. 129 but also makes him the first qualifier in 17 years to defeat a former French Open finalist in men’s singles. Eduardo Schwank was the last to do so, beating Carlos Moya in 2008.

Ruud criticizes ATP’s schedule demands

In his post-match remarks, Ruud expressed frustration with the ATP’s packed schedule and mandatory event requirements, describing it as “like a rat race.” “Well, it’s kind of like a rat race when it comes to the rankings, as well. You feel you’re obligated to play with certain rules that the ATP have set up with the mandatory events,” Ruud said. “You feel like you lose a lot if you don’t show up and play, both economically, point-wise, ranking-wise and opportunity-wise”.

The Norwegian added, “For me, I know these weeks and months are really important for the remaining of the year and for my career. Of course, if my leg is broken, I won’t play. But it’s tough anyways, especially when there’s a time with mandatory events to skip them because the punishments are quite hard”.

Ruud also highlighted the controversial aspect of the ATP’s year-end bonus system, which penalizes players who skip mandatory events by reducing their bonus by 25 percent.

“It’s a questionable system because on one hand you don’t want to show up injured, and you maybe give the spot to other one,” he explained. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but if you don’t play a mandatory event, they cut 25 per cent of your year-end bonus. You’re kind of forcing players to show up injured or sick, or whatever, when that is not what I think is very fair”.

Once seen as just another promising name on the clay courts, Casper Ruud has grown into one of the most consistent forces in men’s tennis. Behind his quiet demeanor lies a story of grit, family ties and long-term ambition.

Born into a tennis household and raised in Europe, his rise through the ranks wasn’t sudden—but it’s been steady and undeniable. From junior hopeful to Grand Slam finalist, his path has been carefully shaped.

But his story goes beyond stats and titles. With a close-knit support system, a trusted coach in the family and a low-key but notable personal life, the tennis star remains one of the tour’s most intriguing figures.

How old is Casper Rudd?

Born on December 22, 1998, Casper Ruud is currently 26 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has established himself as a formidable presence on the ATP Tour, known for his consistency and prowess.

How tall is Casper Rudd?

Casper Ruud stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His height and athletic build contribute to his powerful baseline game and agility on the court, allowing him to cover ground efficiently and execute shots with precision.

Casper Rudd’s family

Casper hails from a family deeply rooted in tennis. His father, Christian Rudd, is a former professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 39. Christian now serves as his coach, guiding his career with firsthand experience.

His mother, Lele Ruud, maintains a private life, while his two sisters, Caroline and Charlotte, are known to be supportive figures in his journey, according to sources like Tennis Majors and the official page of Casper Rudd.

Casper Rudd’s nationality

Casper Ruud proudly represents Norway on the international tennis stage. Born and raised in Oslo, he has become the highest-ranked Norwegian tennis player in history, surpassing his father’s achievements.

Is Casper Rudd married?

While Casper Ruud has made a name for himself on the court, his personal life has drawn quiet admiration. Since 2018, he has been in a committed relationship with Maria Galligani, a Norwegian psychologist with a master’s degree from the University of Southern Denmark.

Known for her discretion and low-profile approach to public life, Maria has nonetheless become a familiar presence at his matches—often spotted in the stands, celebrating victories with calm support.

In November 2024, he proposed to her, sharing the news via social media with a heartfelt photo from their engagement. The couple’s relationship has grown alongside his ascent in the tennis world, with her reportedly providing emotional grounding.

Who is the coach of Casper Rudd?

Few athletes are coached by someone who not only understands the mechanics of the game, but also their childhood fears and habits. For Casper Ruud, that person is his father, Christian Ruud, a former ATP pro who reached a career-high ranking of No. 39 in the late 1990s.

In recent years, the Ruud camp also brought in Pedro Clar, a Spanish coach affiliated with the Rafa Nadal Academy, to add fresh insights and structure. Clar’s contribution, combined with Christian’s foundation, has elevated his game.

Casper Rudd’s career highlights

• 2016 – ATP debut: Ruud made his ATP debut in 2016 and soon caught attention by becoming the first Norwegian in decades to win matches at this level.

• 2020 – First ATP title: He clinched his first ATP title in Buenos Aires, making history as the first Norwegian to win an ATP Tour event.

• 2021 – Breakthrough season: Ruud won five ATP titles in one year, including a streak of three consecutive wins during the European clay season. He also finished the year in the Top 10 for the first time.

• 2022 – Grand Slam finalist: He reached the finals of Roland Garros and the US Open, losing to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, respectively. These performances propelled him to a career-high ranking of World No. 2.

• 2023 – French Open finalist: For the second year in a row, Ruud reached the Roland Garros final, once again falling to Nadal. Still, the consistency proved he wasn’t a one-season wonder.

• 2024 – Continued consistency: Though not adding a major title, Ruud remained in the Top 10 and was a regular threat in Masters 1000 tournaments.

• 2025 – First Masters 1000 title in Madrid: In a defining moment of his career, Ruud lifted his first Masters 1000 trophy on the clay of Madrid, cementing his status as one of the elite.

Once known primarily as a promising name from Norway, Casper Ruud has quietly carved out a place among tennis’s elite. His relentless rise through the ATP rankings has earned him admiration but has also boosted his financial game.

With multiple Grand Slam finals and consistent tour-level performances, his earnings have grown steadily, both from prize money and off-court ventures. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the intensity of his climb to the top.

Beyond the baseline, the Norwegian star has built a fortune that reflects more than just match wins. As his fame stretches beyond tennis circles, so does curiosity about just how much wealth he has amassed in the process.

What is Casper Ruud’s net worth?

Casper Ruud has built more than just a solid reputation in tennis, he’s quietly amassed a growing fortune. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $8 million, according to data from Sportskeeda.

This wealth comes not only from his success on the court but also from his ability to leverage his rise into profitable partnerships and business moves. He has become one of Norway’s most financially successful athletes.

How much has Casper Ruud earned in his tennis career?

Casper Ruud’s steady performances on the ATP Tour have paid off—literally. By May 2025, he had racked up more than $23 million in prize money, placing him 26th on the all-time earnings list in men’s tennis.

His deep runs at Grand Slams, appearances at Roland-Garros and the US Open, have boosted these totals. But even beyond the majors, his consistency at ATP 250 and 500 events has kept his bank account growing season after season.

Casper Ruud’s endorsements

Off the court, Casper Ruud’s brand is a marketer’s dream: professional, humble and globally relevant. His sponsorships reflect this image. He uses Yonex rackets and gear, and represents Samsonite as a global ambassador.

He has also partnered with The Arctic Group (financial services), Proaktiv Eiendomsmegling (real estate) and Porsche Norge, aligning himself with brands that elevate his profile, according to Sportskeeda.

Casper Ruud’s investments

Casper Ruud isn’t just banking on tennis. In early 2023, he became an investor and brand ambassador for Recharge Health, a Norwegian tech firm that specializes in recovery and wellness products, as Sportskeeda reported.

His move into the tech and wellness sector suggests a growing business mindset. For a player still in his prime, investing in innovative companies shows he is already thinking about long-term sustainability.

Entering the tournament, there was speculation about how Sinner would perform after such a prolonged absence, with his last official match dating back to the Australian Open. Those doubts were swiftly erased as the World No. 1 blazed through the draw without dropping a set.

His quarterfinal against Ruud was a statement of intent, as he allowed the Norwegian only a single game throughout the match. Now, he will face Tommy Paul as he looks to secure a spot in the final on home soil.

Following the match, Ruud didn’t shy away from acknowledging Sinner’s brilliance, describing the Italian’s performance as one of the best he has ever witnessed. “It’s as near as perfect that I witnessed, at least as a player playing someone. Just got to give it to him,” Ruud said.

“I mean, the first four games, I did maybe a couple unforced errors with my forehand where I went for it, but I missed,” he continued. “Everything else that came out of his racquet and throughout the whole match, as well, feels like a hundred miles an hour plus”.

Ruud further admitted that there was little he could do against Sinner, whose relentless pace and precision left him with no answers. “Every single shot from the forehand, from the backhand. Even on my shots that I feel at times are pretty heavy, it comes back just firing. It’s just immensely impressive. That’s really all I can say,” he added.

Ruud finds perspective in defeat

Despite enduring one of the toughest losses of his career, Ruud maintained a positive outlook, marveling at Sinner’s elite level of play. “It doesn’t feel so bad honestly. I think it was more fun than anything, even though I lost 6-0, 6-1,” Ruud admitted. “You just look at the guy and say; this is kind of, yeah, next-level stuff. I don’t know what else to say. It was almost fun to witness at the same time”.

The highlight of the match came when Ruud won his first and only game of the encounter. Upon securing it, the Norwegian celebrated as if he had won the entire match, drawing a standing ovation and applause from the crowd. His lighthearted reaction and ability to maintain humor despite the lopsided score endeared him to the spectators.

Ruud expressed regret about not being able to make the match more competitive but credited Sinner’s unmatched readiness and skill for the lopsided result. “Of course, I wish it was a closer match. I wish I could have given the people and the fans a longer, closer match, but I think that I was there ready to play, but he was just even readier,” he said. “Every area of my good shots he matched with even better back. I couldn’t re-answer with a better shot. That was just the story of the match”.

Returning to the court after a three-month absence due to a doping case that ultimately cleared him, Sinner proved his form is stronger than ever, dismantling one of the top clay-court players on the tour.

After the match, Sinner emphasized his focus on assessing his level throughout the tournament, stating that his performance against Ruud provided a clear signal of his progress.

“I was feeling great on the court today. I think we all saw that. My goal was to try to understand where my level is at this tournament,” Sinner said via ATP Tour. “It raised day by day, so I’m very happy about that. The result doesn’t really matter, but I felt today was a very positive sign for me”.

“Everything can change in one day. It’s not that one performance can tell everything about my shape now, but I’m very happy,” he continued. “I think today everything worked very well. I was serving well, also returning well, and moving great on the court. I’m very happy about that and now let’s see what’s coming in the semis”.

Italian tennis enjoying a golden Era

Italian tennis continues to thrive, with multiple players achieving standout performances at the Rome Open. Lorenzo Musetti joined Sinner in the semifinals after defeating Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.

This marks the first time in the Open Era that multiple Italian men have reached the semifinals in Rome and the first instance in Masters 1000 history (since 1990) where two Italians advanced to the final four of the same event. Musetti will now face Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the final.

On the WTA side, Jasmine Paolini reached the Rome final after defeating Peyton Stearns in the semifinals. She now awaits the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng.

Sinner on his rivalry with Ruud

Sinner’s dominant victory extended his unbeaten record against Ruud to 4-0. The Italian revealed he aimed to replicate his previous success against the Norwegian, particularly from their clash at the ATP Finals, where he also secured a lopsided 6-1, 6-2 win.

“Every one of us has one or two opponents where we struggle a little bit more. I tried to replicate what I did in the past today on a different surface,” Sinner explained. “I was hitting the ball very well. These conditions, playing in the night against Casper, are a little bit better from my point of view because he cannot make the ball bounce as much”.

Ruud, who recently won in Madrid, expressed his concern for his opponent. “I feel so bad for Matteo. He keeps working hard, coming back… I just wish him all the best and just stay strong,” said the Norwegian. “He’s an unbelievable player. I hope he has a speedy recovery.” Ruud also wrote a message for Berrettini in the camera, signing “Sorry, Matteo. Feel better!”

With the win, Ruud moves on to face Spain’s Jaume Munar in the fourth round. Munar knocked out 22nd seed Sebastian Korda 6-4, 6-2 earlier in the day. A win would take Ruud into the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters for the third time in his career.

Berrettini’s retirement marks yet another setback in a frustrating season marked by injuries. He had also withdrawn from his third-round match in Madrid against Jack Draper due to an abdominal issue. Rome was his first appearance at the tournament since 2021, and he had shown promise with a straight-sets win over Jacob Fearnley in the second round.

Despite a strong first-serve performance, winning 79 percent of points behind it in the opening set, Berrettini opted not to risk worsening the issue. The 10-time ATP titlist will now assess the severity of the latest injury blow.

Jannik Sinner also advances

Jannik Sinner continued his smooth return to the tour with another straight-sets victory, defeating Jesper de Jong 6-4, 6-2 to reach the fourth round. Playing his first tournament since early February, the Italian has now won all four sets he’s played this week.

Next up for Sinner is a rematch with Francisco Cerundolo, who eliminated him in Rome last year. Cerundolo arrives with momentum after a semi-final run in Madrid and a 6-2, 6-4 win over Sebastian Ofner on Monday. The two are tied 2-2 in their head-to-head.

Casper Ruud captured his first Masters 1000 title by defeating Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to win the Madrid Open on Sunday. The victory not only places him among the favorites for Roland Garros but also results in a significant jump in the ATP rankings for the Norwegian.

The 26-year-old had dropped to World No. 15, the first time he had fallen outside the Top 10 in over a year, but will now rise to World No. 7 after earning 900 points during his triumphant week.

Ruud, now a 13-time champion on the ATP Tour, recorded three Top 10 wins at the same tournament for just the second time in his career. He defeated World No. 4 Taylor Fritz, No. 10 Daniil Medvedev, and No. 6 Draper en route to the title.

Draper, meanwhile, moves up one spot to a career-high World No. 5 following his run to the final. Lorenzo Musetti, who lost to Draper in the semifinals, also climbed two positions to reach No. 9 in the rankings.

Several players saw drops after early exits. Among them were Novak Djokovic, who was eliminated in the Round of 64; Alex de Minaur, who lost to Musetti in the Round of 16; and Holger Rune, who also suffered an early defeat.

Daniil Medvedev, who fell to Ruud in the quarterfinals, has dropped out of the Top 10 and now sits at No. 11. As previously reported, Jannik Sinner will retain the No. 1 spot when he returns in the Masters of Rome, with Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz rounding out the top three.

ATP Rankings Top 10 after 2025 Madrid Mutua Open

Jannik Sinner – 9,730
Alexander Zverev – 8,085
Carlos Alcaraz – 7,850
Taylor Fritz – 4,815
Jack Draper – 4,440
Novak Djokovic – 4,130
Casper Ruud – 3,715
Alex de Minaur – 3,635
Lorenzo Musetti – 3,550
Holger Rune – 3,440

What’s next in the ATP Tour?

The ATP stars will compete in Rome, for the fifth Masters 1000 of the season. So far, all the Masters 1000 have been won by a different player: Jack Draper (Indian Wells), Jakub Mensik (Miami Open), Carlos Alcaraz (Monte Carlo) and Casper Ruud (Madrid).

Leading up to the final, Ruud faced a number of challenges. He was coming off a difficult injury, and just weeks later, he lifted the biggest trophy of his career. His path to the title wasn’t easy, he had to take down top-tier opponents including Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Sebastian Korda to secure his spot in the final.

In a hard-fought match, Ruud triumphed 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to claim his first Masters 1000 crown. Entering the tournament ranked No. 14 in the world, he’s now poised for a significant boost in the ATP rankings. The final was a battle from start to finish against Draper, but Ruud held his nerve and now sets his sights on his next challenge: the 2025 Italian Open in Rome.

Fueled by the momentum of his Madrid victory, Ruud heads to Rome with confidence and high expectations. The tournament kicks off this week, and following his performance in Spain, he could emerge as a serious contender. His title in Madrid also marked a historic milestone, no other player from Norway has achieved a feat like this on the ATP Tour.

Ruud makes history with first Masters 1000 title

Ruud etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Norwegian player to win an ATP Masters 1000 tournament, defeating Draper in the final of the Madrid Open. The victory marks a major milestone in Ruud’s career and could serve as a crucial confidence boost as he prepares for upcoming challenges on the ATP Tour.

With this triumph, Ruud has cemented his status as a serious contender on the men’s circuit. His peers now view him as a formidable opponent in every tournament. Next up is the Rome Masters, where the newly crowned champion will aim to keep his momentum going as competitors look to deny him back-to-back titles.

Casper Ruud’s career stats

While the Madrid title is Ruud’s first at the Masters 1000 level, his résumé already includes an impressive collection of accomplishments. He has reached multiple finals on the biggest stages and consistently performed among the sport’s elite. Here’s a breakdown of his career highlights so far:

• Career titles: 13 (including his first Masters 1000 title at Madrid Open 2025)
• Career finals record: 13 wins – 12 losses
• Masters 1000 Finals: 1 win – 2 losses (Champion in Madrid 2025; Runner-up in Miami 2022 and Monte Carlo 2024)
• Grand Slam Finals: 0 wins – 3 losses (Runner-up at French Open 2022, US Open 2022, and French Open 2023)
• ATP Finals: 0 wins – 1 loss (Runner-up in 2022)

“I feel good,” said Ruud, according to the official ATP Tour website. “To be back in a Masters 1000 final feels great. It’s not every day you get to play for these titles,” he explained, having previously reached the finals in Miami 2022 and Monte-Carlo 2024. “I’ve been in two finals before and lost both, so hopefully there will be another third time is a charm.”

However, the Norwegian made an important clarification. “If you look at this year, I haven’t played as good as I did in 2024, and I’m back in another final, so I’m coming in with a little different scenario here,” he said. “I came into Monte-Carlo final playing a lot of good tennis prior to that final, and I ended up losing.”

With that experience behind him, Casper now approaches this new opportunity with a different mindset. “If I was to win, which of course I hope and I will try my best to do, it will be kind of ironic that I had a much better beginning of 2024 leading up to Monte-Carlo than I’ve had this year,” he explained. “Hopefully I can just win it this time and just think ‘third time lucky.’”

Draper reflects on his current form

Draper‘s situation is quite different from Ruud’s. The British player is in the best form of his career and already claimed the Indian Wells Masters 1000 title earlier this year. Now, he has a chance to add another trophy to his resume—along with key ranking points.

Ahead of Sunday’s final, Jack reflected on the path that brought him here and how his game has evolved in recent times. “I think I got to 50 in the world by sort of counter punching and being defensive,” he said, according to the official ATP Tour website.

“Then I was in a bit of a crisis last year, thinking like, ‘Where’s my game going to go, what do I need to change?’ Then I did certain things, and I tried to maybe go the opposite end of the spectrum and try and hit every ball as hard as I can and return up the court and do all these things,” Draper explained. “But it didn’t really work, that experiment.”

Now, the British star has a clearer understanding of his ideal playing style. “What was important was that I learn how to be defensive and do all those things, but also attack when I need to attack. So I think I’ve got the balance a lot better now,” he said. “I’m a big guy, but I’m not just a guy who hits big serves and can hit a big winner, I can do everything on the court, and that’s I think what all the top players are able to do.”

Draper and Ruud have a lot at stake in Madrid

There’s more on the line this Sunday than just the Madrid Open title. For Ruud, it’s a chance to claim the biggest trophy of his career. He has been runner-up in two Masters 1000 events and three Grand Slams but has yet to win one. Regardless of the result, he will return to the ATP top 10 next week—but a win could boost him as high as No. 7.

Thanks to his strong performances, Draper will surpass Novak Djokovic in the rankings and break into the world’s top five for the first time in his career. But that’s not all: if he defeats Ruud in the final, Jack will become the third player born in the 2000s to earn tour-level titles on hard, clay, and grass—joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.