Casper Ruud thinks he is not receiving much attention because he “does not have the flashiest game.” On Sunday, Ruud defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in the Estoril final 6-2 7-6 (3) to win his 10th ATP title. All of Ruud’s 10 titles have come at the ATP 250 level and he now has nine titles on clay.
Ruud, who ranked at No 4 in the world, made two Grand Slam finals last year and also achieved a career-high ranking of No 2 in the world. But some aren’t impressed with Ruud’s achievement, claiming the Norwegian is “only good for the ATP 250 level on clay.” “People don’t write much about me.
I think that’s also because I don’t have the most flashy game and most beautiful winners, forehand, backhand, serve. But in the end I’m winning quite a lot of matches. The ranking is 52-weeks, last year I won many matches. I got to number two.
People will always find a way to criticise no matter what. They will say the path was easy or that I’m playing some smaller tournaments. Maybe you can give credit to my smart scheduling,” Ruud said, per Jose Morgado.
+ Ruud. “I got to number two.
People will always find a way to criticise no matter what. They will say the path was easy or that I’m playing some smaller tournaments. Maybe you can give credit to my smart scheduling.” — José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 9, 2023
Ruud finally found some form
Ruud had a very rough start to the year as he arrived in Estoril with a 5-6 record in 2023.
But in Estoril, Ruud found some momentum and made it all the way. “I feel great. It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess. 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,” Ruud said.
Ruud, who was playing in Estoril for the first time, enjoyed his time in Portugal. “I felt great. All my stay was great [with the] fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court. It was full every time that I was on the court it was a full stadium so thank you to everyone who is here today and also during the week,” Ruud said.
