Casper Ruud has added his name to the list of champions of Portugal’s number one tennis tournament Estoril Open, having defeated Miomir Kecmanović in the final on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Norwegian clay specialist dominated the first set (6-2), having faced fiercer opposition in the second set which was only decided in a tie-break.
Ruud, who eliminated Portuguese tennis player and 2018 Estoril Open champion João Sousa in the second round, was delighted with his first title of the season.
“To see that last ball go out was a great feeling,” said Ruud after the match.
“To play a final, whether it’s a 250 or a 1000 (tournament) or even the Grand Slam, it’s always an exciting feeling when you’re (still) in a tournament on Sunday,” he added. “It means that you have done well and to win is obviously the most fun.”
It is no secret that clay courts are where Ruud feels the most comfortable, with nine of his 10 ATP titles coming on clay courts.
“I know the odds of me playing and winning many matches on grass are very small,” he added. se“So I just have to be in this mentality that clay is very important for me. During my season, and in my career, I will always have a very big focus on the clay season.”
With his win in Estoril, Casper Ruud has reclaimed the world no. 4 spot in the ATP Tour rankings.
