In a thrilling encounter at the Madrid Open, British tennis sensation Jack Draper triumphed over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), securing his position in the final. Draper, who is currently the top-ranked British player, exhibited remarkable resilience and skill throughout the match, which marked a significant milestone in his career as he prepares to face Norway’s Casper Ruud in the championship round on Sunday.
Draper, aged 23, demonstrated his determination and tactical prowess, recovering from an early setback in which he was broken in the first set. He capitalized on his opponent’s weaknesses by executing a double break that allowed him to control the game, ultimately winning the first set with relative comfort. Notably, this victory has special implications for Draper, as it is his first appearance in a clay-court event final—a significant achievement considering his previous experiences in tournaments leading up to this moment.
The London native’s victory is notable for several reasons. He becomes the first Englishman to reach the final of the Madrid Open, following in the footsteps of Scotland’s Andy Murray, who has previously made it to three finals at this prestigious venue, winning two titles in the process. Draper is now poised to potentially add to his impressive 2025 season, which already includes a title victory over Holger Rune at the Indian Wells tournament earlier this year.
Reflecting on his performance against Musetti, Draper expressed the intensity of the match, stating, “It felt like a key moment every point. The level was high from both of us.” His experience playing Musetti during their junior days added a layer of competitive spirit to the encounter, as Draper maintained an undefeated record against the Italian in their four professional matches. Musetti struggled in the opening stages of the match; despite rallying to break Draper’s serve, he could not convert his opportunities effectively.
The second set showcased an even more competitive rivalry, with the audience at the Madrid Open cheering passionately for Musetti. The atmosphere grew tense as both players held their serves, each saving break points and eventually leading to a tie-break. Draper, maintaining his composure, seized control of the final points and ended with a stunning cross-court backhand, solidifying his place in the final.
Meanwhile, Casper Ruud also advanced to the final, overcoming a rib injury to win against Francisco Cerundolo with a score of 6-4, 7-5. The world number 15 took a medical timeout early in the match but displayed incredible toughness, saving 15 out of the 18 break points he faced. Ruud himself acknowledged the severity of his injury, having felt discomfort during the warm-up, which raised doubts about his ability to finish the match. Nevertheless, through swift treatment and sheer determination, he managed to secure his spot in yet another ATP final.
This upcoming matchup will mark the first professional meeting between Draper and Ruud, with Draper set to ascend into the top five ATP rankings for the first time post-event. Ruud, known for his exceptional clay-court performance, including 11 titles and making numerous finals, promised a formidable challenge. Draper recognized this, stating, “Casper is a two-time Roland Garros finalist and very accustomed to the clay. He is always tough to beat, so it will be a challenge for me – but I’m ready for it.”
As the final approaches, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike, eager to see how Draper will fare against the experienced Ruud on such an important stage. With rollercoaster moments seen in both players’ journeys through the Madrid Open, the final promises to be an electrifying finale worthy of the tournament’s esteemed history.