Casper Ruud says what he thinks of Jack Draper as a tennis player after beating him in the Madrid Open final

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Casper Ruud is finally an ATP Masters 1000 champion, having beaten Jack Draper in the final of the Madrid Open.

Andy Roddick thought Ruud would struggle with Draper’s forehand in their Madrid Open final, but it was the Norwegian who was able to come out on top.

Ruud, the 14th seed at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, beat the fifth seed 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the Spanish capital.

Draper was labelled the best player in the world by Lorenzo Musetti before the final, with the Briton having knocked the Italian out in the semi-finals.

But it was Ruud who emerged victorious over Draper, with the ATP Tour number 15 clinching the 13th title of his career.

Casper Ruud praises ‘unbelievable’ Jack Draper after winning their Madrid Open final

His celebrations will now last long into the night, but he did take time to heap praise on his latest opponent after the match.

Speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, he said: “It was a great match. I knew Jack had been playing unbelievable all year and especially this tournament.

READ MORE: Jack Draper points out what he has seen Rafael Nadal doing on clay during his matches which he’s now trying to copy

“I knew that if I did not bring my AA+ game I will be whooped around here on the court. Luckily I played really well.

“Jack is such an incredible player on any surface now. He has won titles on every surface except for here and he has made the final here in Madrid. This is a really big boost for me. I hope I can keep it going.”

Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud makes Jack Draper prediction

Draper is a three-time ATP Tour champion at the age of 23, having clinched his latest title at Indian Wells earlier this year.

That followed wins in Stuttgart and Vienna last year, with runner-up places in Sofia, Adelaide, Doha and now Madrid on his impressive CV.

READ MORE: The Madrid Open told they have a problem which is ‘so annoying’ and it’s just like the US Open

And even though success has yet to be secured on clay, Ruud is predicting big things for the British number one on every surface.

Speaking in his winning speech, the Norwegian said of his latest opponent: “What a player you are already at a young age.

“What a player you have become on all surfaces. You are a threat to everyone now, it doesn’t matter where or when. I think the sky is the limit for you.

“Unbelievable effort these couple of weeks and your team as well. Keep going, it’s an honour to watch you play and luckily it was my day today.”