Ruud wins in Estoril for his first trophy of the 2023 season

Casper Ruud won his first title of the year yesterday as he defeated Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) in the final of the clay-court tournament in Estoril.
The fifth-ranked Norwegian reeled off five straight games in the opening set but was pushed much harder in the second by Kecmanovic, who also reached the doubles final this week.
Ruud’s title was the 10th of his career, all but one of which have come on clay.
“I feel great. It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess,” Ruud said during the trophy ceremony. “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.”
A runner-up to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros last year, Ruud had failed to win more than one match at any of his six previous tournaments this season.
The 24-year-old will climb one spot to fourth in the rankings today.
“I felt great. All my stay was great (with the) fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court,” Ruud said. “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.”
It also marked Ruud’s first ATP Head2Head victory against Kecmanovic, who leads their series 2-1. The Serbian praised his friend during the trophy ceremony.
“You were too good today. Good job this week and good luck for the rest of the year,” Kecmanovic said.
“Thank you to everybody who came out. It was my first time here.
“I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys and I really hope I can come back next time.”