Casper Ruud claims first title of the season in Estoril

James Richardson 09 Apr 2023 6:39 PM

Casper Ruud celebrating

Casper Ruud claimed his first title of the season and moved into double figures for his career with victory in the Estoril Open championship match on Sunday.

Ruud defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in the final, in what was also his first victory of the Serbian.

Ruud’s triumph was achieved off the back of a near-faultless serve as he held in every single service game.

“I feel great. It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess,” Ruud said during the trophy ceremony. “To be here with the trophy this Sunday is very special. It’s been quite some months since I won my last title, so it’s very important.”

Having arrived in Portugal with a 5-6 record for 2023, Ruud made the most of the shift to clay to give his season a shot in the arm.

Ruud was energetic in his efforts to ensure he took on as many forehands as he could to keep on top of long-time friend Kecmanovic.

That plan paid off early in the opening set, when he broke the Serbian’s service at 1-1 by covering every millimetre of the court to hit from his preferred wing, eventually winning the break point with a forehand winner. He then won a second break with a massive forehand bomb to take complete command of the opener.

Kecmanovic, who was vying for his second ATP Tour championship, stepped up his game early in the second set.

Kecmanovic, who was vying for his second ATP Tour championship, stepped up his game early in the second set. However, while the Serbian saved five break points he failed to convert three of his own, which left him facing a tie-break.

At 3-4 down in the second set tiebreaker, Kecmanovic doinked a crosscourt backhand wide, giving up the crucial mini break.

Ruud secured another tiebreak point with a dipping backhand passing shot from way behind the baseline that his Kecmanovic couldn’t control.

Ruud needed only one of his three title championship points to secure the title.

Following what feels like a breakthrough win, he celebrated his victory by launching a ball into the air before shaking hands with his pal at the net.

“I felt great. All my stay was great [with the] fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court,” Ruud said at the trophy presentation.

“It was full every time that I was on the court it was a full stadium so thank you to everyone who is here today and also during the week.”