‘Lucky guy’ Casper Ruud reveals how fiancee inspired his Madrid Open success
Casper Ruud paid a touching tribute to his fiancée Maria Galligani after capturing the biggest title of his career at the Madrid Open on Sunday.
World No 15 Ruud battled past fifth seed Jack Draper in an enthralling final inside the Caja Magica, ultimately prevailing 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
It is the 13th ATP Tour title of the Norwegian’s career and his first Masters 1000 title, after a string of defeats in big finals.
Ruud was beaten in his previous two Masters finals, at the 2022 Miami Open and 2024 Monte Carlo Masters.
However, he also tasted defeat in 2022 and 2023 French Open finals, the 2022 US Open final, and at the ATP Finals in 2022.
The Norwegian has finally banished his ‘big title’ hoodoo in the Spanish capital, after opening up about his struggle with mental health issues earlier in the week.
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And, speaking in an interview in the aftermath of his three-set win, the 26-year-old paid a warm tribute to his loved ones – and Galligani, who flew in for the final, in particular.
“It’s been incredible,” said Ruud.
“I owe a lot of my success to all my closest ones – my family, my friends, my fiancée Maria. We got engaged last year so she’s been an incredible support for me over many years now.
“She came yesterday to come and support. Maybe that was the last little push I needed to get over the finish line. I’m really happy, and it’s great I’m surrounded by amazing people.
“I’m a really lucky guy.”
Psychology graduate Galligani and former world No 2 Ruud have been dating since 2018, with the tennis star announcing their engagement in November 2024.
In a message on social media at the time, the Norwegian simply wrote: “Can’t wait to marry you.”
No details have been confirmed as to when the couple will officially tie the knot, though Ruud’s exploits in Madrid may provide a timely boost towards their wedding fund.
Ruud, who will rise to world No 7 thanks to his victory, will take home an impressive €985,030 in prize money following his triumph in the Spanish capital.
Having already earned over $23 million across the course of his career, it is fair to say that a tight budget will not be a concern for the happy couple.
Ruud will now look to continue his clay-court momentum at the Italian Open, with the men’s singles main draw underway on Wednesday.
However, as one of the seeded players in the draw, he will not start his campaign until later in the week.
He was a semi-finalist in Rome in 2020, 2022, and 2023, though he suffered a shock second-round defeat twelve months ago.
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