In the sun-drenched Caja Magica of Madrid, Casper Ruud stood tall on May 4, 2025, clutching the most significant trophy of his career after a thrilling 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Jack Draper in the Madrid Open final. The 26-year-old Norwegian, long heralded as a clay-court specialist, finally shattered his “big title” hoodoo, claiming his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown and becoming the first Norwegian to achieve the feat. But behind this historic triumph was a deeply personal story of love and support, as Ruud credited his fiancée, Maria Galligani, for providing the emotional boost that propelled him across the finish line.
Ruud’s journey to the Madrid title was a testament to his resilience. Seeded 14th and ranked No. 15 after early exits in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, he entered the tournament with a point to prove. His path was formidable, featuring straight-set victories over Arthur Rinderknech, Sebastian Korda, third seed Taylor Fritz, ninth seed Daniil Medvedev, and Francisco Cerundolo. Despite a back injury scare in the semifinals that required medical attention, Ruud’s determination never wavered. The final against Draper, a rising British star fresh off an Indian Wells title, was a grueling two-and-a-half-hour battle. Trailing 3-5 in the first set, Ruud staged a stunning comeback, reeling off four straight games to seize the set. Though Draper leveled the match in the second, Ruud’s clay-court mastery shone in the decider, where he broke at 2-2 and closed out the match with a commanding hold to love.
In the emotional aftermath, Ruud’s thoughts turned to Galligani, a psychology graduate who has been his rock since 2018. The couple, engaged in November 2024, have navigated the highs and lows of Ruud’s career together, from three Grand Slam final losses to 12 ATP titles, 11 on clay. Galligani’s last-minute trip from Norway to Madrid proved pivotal. “I owe a lot of my success to all my closest ones—my family, my friends, my fiancée Maria,” Ruud said, his voice thick with gratitude. “We got engaged last year, so she’s been an incredible support for me over many years now. She came yesterday to come and support. Maybe that was the last little push I needed to get over the finish line. I’m really happy, and it’s great I’m surrounded by amazing people. I’m a really lucky guy.”
Ruud’s victory was more than a personal milestone; it was a historic moment for Norwegian tennis. The win, which earned him €985,030 and 1,000 ranking points, catapulted him from No. 15 to No. 7 in the ATP rankings, marking a triumphant return to the top 10. “It feels great, of course. It’s been a long time coming,” Ruud said, reflecting on a career that includes runner-up finishes at the 2022 and 2023 French Opens, the 2022 US Open, and the 2022 ATP Finals. “This was one of the really big goals I dreamed about when I was young, so it’s an incredible feeling to accomplish it.”
The match itself showcased Ruud’s clay-court prowess, with his 91% first-serve point win rate in the opening set and eight aces outpacing Draper’s two. Draper, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Ruud’s clutch performance. “Congratulations Casper, you deserve this,” he said. “You were braver than me in the key moments.” Ruud returned the respect, praising Draper’s meteoric rise: “Jack has become such an incredible player, on any surface now. It’s an incredible year he is having.”
For Ruud, the Madrid triumph is a springboard for the clay season ahead. With the Italian Open starting May 7 and Roland Garros looming, where he’s twice been a finalist, he carries newfound confidence. “Here in Madrid, it feels like I’ve taken four steps forward,” he said, a nod to overcoming mental health struggles earlier in 2025 that left him feeling like a “hamster on a wheel.” Galligani’s presence, both in Madrid and in his life, has grounded him, offering a reminder that success is sweeter when shared. As Ruud eyes Rome and Paris, he does so not just as a champion, but as a man buoyed by love, ready to chase his Grand Slam dreams.
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