By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, May 4, 2025
Experiencing repeated setbacks in significant matches can weigh heavily on an athlete’s mind. Yet, Casper Ruud has shown remarkable resilience in overcoming these obstacles.
Before his stunning victory in Madrid—marking his first Masters 1000 title—the Norwegian had faced three Grand Slam finals, two Masters finals, and an ATP Finals showdown, winning merely a single set across those encounters.
It’s crucial to note that none of those defeats can be labeled as failures. Two losses were against Novak Djokovic (ATP Finals 2022 and Roland-Garros 2023), another against Rafael Nadal (Roland-Garros 2022), and two against Carlos Alcaraz (Miami and the US Open 2022). Competing against such formidable opponents at critical moments is a daunting task.
Most importantly, Ruud has patiently refined his game throughout this journey.
Fittingly, he is recognized as one of the elite clay-court players, and his impressive 125-35 record with twelve titles on this surface since 2020 supports this claim. While some might question his ability to secure major wins, he has silenced critics.
On that memorable Sunday, Ruud shattered the weight of past defeats, emphasizing the significance of this victory, which undoubtedly provided him with fresh motivation for the remainder of the clay season and beyond.
During this week in Madrid, when given another chance to clinch a major title, he shifted into high gear, effortlessly overcoming a determined Jack Draper to achieve a moment he truly deserved. At 26, Ruud has become the third Scandinavian man to claim a Masters title since 2000 and the first from Norway to do so.
“This was my seventh significant final, if we count them all,” Ruud reflected. “So seven seems to be a lucky number for me. Ultimately, it was worth the wait. I’ve never really been in the running in any of the previous finals, considering how I lost most of them in straight sets.”
He described his win as “ironic,” pointing out that his journey this season had largely been characterized by underachievement until last week. Yet, Madrid has paved the way for a notable shift in his trajectory this year.
“It feels a bit ironic, really, because looking at my season, there was one standout tournament in Dallas where I made the final. Since then, it’s been a series of disappointing early exits,” he noted.
“But it’s a long journey ahead, and I’ve kept that in mind. It’s like a marathon, not a sprint.”
Ruud hopes to maintain this momentum through the spring, preparing for events in Rome, Geneva, and Roland-Garros, where he has been a two-time runner-up and now presents himself as a formidable contender.
But first, he’ll take a moment to absorb the significance of today’s victory.
“Even after winning, my record in significant finals still stands at 1-6,” he acknowledged. “I’ve been in many incredible positions throughout my career and have experienced fantastic moments, though I’ve often found myself on the losing end of those matches. That’s alright. In many ways, my career has unfolded better than I ever imagined.”
“I always dreamed of winning tournaments like this, Grand Slams, or becoming world No. 1, and I’ve come quite close. But it’s not like I’ve ever choked in those moments; I’ve simply faced players who outperformed me, and I’ve taken valuable lessons from that. One day, I’m confident that another opportunity will arise, and perhaps I’ll seize it—that’s the essence of today’s victory.”
