Top-seeded Casper Ruud defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-6 (3) in the final of the Estoril Open on Sunday, thereby winning the 10th ATP title of his career. As a result, Ruud will move up the ATP World Rankings to 4th place on Monday.
“It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess,” Ruud said after defeating his Serbian opponent. “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.”
While Kecmanovic was on the hunt for the second ATP title of his career, Ruud was eager to turn his fortunes around after a challenging start to 2023. The Norwegian arrived at the Estoril Open with a 5-6 record for the year.
Ruud’s tournament got off to a challenging start when he was pitted against local favorite Joao Sousa. While Sousa won the first set in front of a jubilant Portuguese crowd, Ruud managed to claw his way back to secure a 4-6 6-2 6-2 victory.
The Norwegian then played against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, whom he swept aside 6-3 6-0 before squeaking past France’s Quentin Halys 6-4 3-6 7-6(2) to book his place in Sunday’s final.
