The triumph in the Spanish capital was not only Ruud's first in a "Masters 1000" tournament, but also the first for a Norwegian at such a high level.
Ruud has previously played six finals at the same level or higher, including three in Grand Slam, and lost all of them.
No wonder the 26-year-old was happy after defeating the Briton Jack Draper with 7–5, 3–6, 6–4 on the red clay in Madrid.
This is something I have dreamed of since I was little, and the way I did it makes it extra special. Jack has played incredibly well all year and particularly in this tournament. I needed to bring out my absolute best game, says Ruud.
Thanks to the victory, Casper Ruud climbs to seventh place in the world ranking. In three weeks, this year's second Grand Slam tournament, the French Championships at Roland Garros in Paris, will begin.
