"Clay Court Casper" Begins His Clay Season With Estoril Open Triumph

After his rough start to the tennis Year on the hard court surface, and failing to win consecutive games this year, Casper Ruud returned to his favourite surface to complete his comeback weekend. The fifth-ranked Norwegian sailed to a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) straight sets win over Serbia Kecmanovic in the championship match of the clay court tournament in Portugal.

The title was Ruud’s 10th of his career. “It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess,” Ruud said. “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.” Sixth seed Miomir Kecmanovic was aiming to win his second ATP singles title.

The 40th-ranked Kecmanovic saved five break points in the second set, most from all from 40-15, but was unable to convert three of his own to avoid the tiebreaker. Kecmanovic also lost the doubles final in Estoril. Playing against his long-time friend; 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. The strategy eventually paid off early in the first set when he broke the Serbian’s serve at 1-1 by covering every part 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 winner to seize full control of the opener.

Many may wonder why he’s tagged “CLAY COURT CASPER” in the article; All but one of Ruud’s titles have come on clay. He will move to No. 4 in Monday’s rankings.