Jack Draper is set to compete against Casper Ruud in the Madrid Open final on Sunday, aiming for his second ATP Masters 1000 title within two months.
The British top player previously won on hard courts in Indian Wells in March and is now on the verge of a significant achievement on clay in Madrid.
Draper`s path to the final has been impressive, as he hasn`t lost a single set throughout the tournament, defeating players like Tallon Griekspoor, Matteo Berrettini, Tommy Paul, Matteo Arnaldi, and Lorenzo Musetti.
Achieving a second Masters title in rapid succession would propel Draper even higher in the rankings. Having already climbed significantly, he would be merely 25 ranking points shy of American world No 4 Taylor Fritz.
Draper Confident Ahead of Final Challenge
Following his semi-final win, Draper expressed confidence regarding the tough challenge posed by Ruud, citing his recent strong form and performances.
Draper commented, `He is a two-time French Open finalist and very accustomed to the clay. A big pro, always gives his best so that will be real, real challenge.`
`But I am ready after beating someone like Lorenzo [Musetti]. I feel confident to give it my all and physically good,` he added.
Draper also recalled successfully navigating challenging five-set matches at the Australian Open earlier in the year despite not being at his peak, a memory that strengthens his resolve.
Commentators Anticipate Exciting Final
Annabel Croft described the upcoming match as a `wonderful final,` highlighting Casper Ruud`s previous Grand Slam finals appearances (two French Opens and a US Open) and his return to excellent form en route to the final.
Croft praised Draper`s performance throughout the tournament, calling it `breathtaking.` She noted his steady ascent in the rankings, anticipating his rise to world No 5, and commended the consistent high level of his game, particularly his powerful serve and forehand.
She also pointed out that the players have not met before and that Ruud is seeking his first Masters title, while Draper is aiming for his second this year on clay, a surface steeped in history with many great champions. Croft concluded that these factors combine to create `all the ingredients for a wonderful final.`
Colin Fleming commented that this match represents Draper`s toughest test so far, acknowledging Ruud`s status as a top clay-court player. Fleming suggested Ruud would analyze Draper`s semi-final against Musetti, particularly how Musetti made the second set challenging.
Fleming concluded that a win against Ruud would be `unbelievable,` emphasizing that while Draper is capable, the match will be difficult.
Casper Ruud: A Formidable Clay-Court Opponent
In his semi-final, Ruud demonstrated composure under pressure, defeating Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina with a score of 6-4, 7-5 to secure his spot in the final.
World No 15 Ruud had previously defeated strong opponents like Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev. In his semi-final, he faced and saved a remarkable 15 out of 18 break points, notably defending seven in a lengthy 14-minute game during the second set, on his way to reaching his third Masters 1000 final.
Sunday`s match will mark Ruud`s 18th final on clay, a surface where only Novak Djokovic among active players has appeared in more finals (34).
Ruud revealed that he felt a rib issue during his semi-final warm-up, stating, `I wasn`t sure I was going to be able to finish the match, honestly. I felt something in my rib during the warm-up, just towards the end before going out [on court].`
He added that he felt the pain `in nearly every shot, especially the serve,` but received quick treatment. Despite the limited time available for on-court treatment, he planned to get it further checked after the match.
