Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and Boris Becker react to Casper Ruud’s Madrid Open victory

Ewan West 05 May 2025 10:34 AM

Pictured: Casper Ruud, Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal

Casper Ruud with Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal inset

Casper Ruud has received messages from Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and Boris Becker following his triumph at the 2025 Madrid Open.

The Norwegian earned a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Jack Draper in the final on the Estadio Manolo Santana court to secure his maiden Masters 1000 crown and the biggest title of his career.

Ruud is the first player in his nation’s history to win a Masters title, having twice previously been a runner-up at tournaments of this level (in Miami and Monte Carlo).

The three-time Grand Slam finalist said: “It feels great, of course. It’s been a long time coming. [This was] one of the really big goals I dreamed about when I was young, so it’s an incredible feeling to accomplish it.

“Also the way I did it today, it was a great match. I knew Jack had been playing unbelievable all year, and especially in this tournament, so I knew that if I didn’t bring my A-plus game, I was going to be whooped around the court.

“Luckily, I played really well. Jack has become such an incredible player, on any surface now. He’s won title on every surface except [clay], and he’s already made finals here in Madrid. So it’s an incredible year he is having. This is a really big boost for me, and I would like to keep it going.”

Ruud honed his game at the tennis academy of his idol Rafael Nadal, and his milestone victory in Madrid pleased the legendary Spaniard.

In a post on X, Nadal — who won a record five Madrid Masters titles — wrote: “@CasperRuud98. Congratulations! So happy for you and your team! Well deserved!”

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Iga Swiatek, the current WTA world No 2 and a five-time Grand Slam champion, also reacted to Ruud’s win on her Instagram story.

“So so cool. Congrats @casperruud,” posted Swiatek.

Days earlier, Ruud sent a warm message of support to Swiatek after the Pole’s brutal 1-6, 1-6 loss to Coco Gauff in the Madrid semi-finals.

“Hey @iga_swiatek keep your head up,” wrote Ruud on X. “Like millions of other people, I love watching you play. Not your day today, but you inspire so many and you’ll be back stronger than ever!!”

Tennis legend Boris Becker hailed both Ruud and Draper’s efforts after the entertaining final.

The six-time major winner wrote: “Casper did it!!! Holding his nerve playing a perfect last game and deservingly winning the @MutuaMadridOpen but also paying my respect to @jackdraper0 reaching the final playing scintillating tennis on his least favourite surface! Well done guys! @CasperRuud98.”

Rennae Stubbs, a former doubles world No 1 who coached Serena Williams, said: “Huge congratulations to Casper! Wow!!

“Terrific match. After such a tough year for his standards, this is a statement. French open runner-up twice. Look out again for him in Paris.”