Ruud Completes Bounceback Week With Estoril Title

Casper Ruud punctuated his bounceback week in Estoril on Sunday by capturing his 10th ATP Tour title.

The Norwegian claimed his first trophy of the season with a 6-2, 7-6(3) victory against friend Miomir Kecmanovic in the Millennium Estoril Open final. The top seed did not drop serve in the championship clash.

“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.”

Following the best season of his career in 2022, Ruud arrived in Portugal with a 5-6 record for 2023. Back on his best surface, he lost his first set of the week against home favourite Joao Sousa. But Ruud navigated two three-setters in his four matches to return to the winner’s circle.

Playing against a longtime friend in Kecmanovic, Ruud wasted little time initiating his game plan in front of the Portuguese crowd. The Norwegian did everything in his power to hit as many forehands as he could.

That strategy paid dividends early in the first set when he broke the Serbian’s serve at 1-1 by covering every centimetre of the court to hit from his favoured wing, ultimately finishing off the break point with a forehand winner. He then earned a second break with a huge forehand blast to seize full control of the opener.

Kecmanovic, who was pursuing his second ATP Tour title, raised his level early in the second set. The Serbian saved five break points he faced, but was unable to convert three of his own, so they went to a tie-break. 

Kecmanovic missed a neutral crosscourt backhand wide at 3/4 to relinquish the critical mini break. Ruud then earned another with a dipping backhand passing shot from well behind the baseline that his opponent was unable to handle.

With three championship points, Ruud needed just one. He blasted a ball into the sky to celebrate his victory before enjoying a warm handshake with his friend at the net.

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

It also marked Ruud's first ATP Head2Head victory against Kecmanovic, who leads their series 2-1. The Serbian praised his friend during the trophy ceremony.

“You were too good today. Good job this week and good luck for the rest of the year,” Kecmanovic said. “Thank you to everybody who came out. It was my first time here. I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys and I really hope I can come back next time.”

Did You Know?
Nine of Ruud's 10 ATP Tour titles have come on clay. The Norwegian will climb from No. 5 to No. 4 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.