Madrid proves to be Ruud's 'Lucky No 7'

MADRID — Casper Ruud joked that seven was his lucky number after claiming the most important trophy of his career in his seventh big final, as he beat Jack Draper on Sunday to win the Madrid Open.

The Norwegian, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, earned his first Masters 1000 trophy with a 7-5,3-6, 6-4 victory over the Briton in a two-and-a-half hour tussle at the Manolo Santana Stadium.

Rising star Draper, who will move to fifth in the world rankings on Monday above Novak Djokovic, was hoping to add to his Indian Wells title in March, but Ruud outlasted him in his third Masters final.