2025 ATP General News

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rome Update:
OUT: Monfils
IN: Hijikata

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

ATP Masters 1000 Madrid,
Mens Singles Final,
Sunday May 4th,
Not before 6.30pm local time,

J.Draper (5) vs C.Ruud (14) This is their first meeting.
Both players have reached the final without dropping a set.
Draper is looking for his second Masters 1000 title, he won his first at IW this year
Ruud is chasing his first Masters 1000 title on his third appearance at this level.

 

[Moxie]

ATP Masters 1000 Madrid,
Mens Singles Final,
Sunday May 4th,
Not before 6.30pm local time,

J.Draper (5) vs C.Ruud (14) This is their first meeting.
Both players have reached the final without dropping a set.
Draper is looking for his second Masters 1000 title, he won his first at IW this year
Ruud is chasing his first Masters 1000 title on his third appearance at this level.

I'm going to pull for Ruud, just to see him get some monkey off his back, and to make him a better contender at RG, though I think Draper is probably too tough to beat, right now, particularly comparing sf performances. I'm not hanging onto any ill-will towards Draper, though.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm going to pull for Ruud, just to see him get some monkey off his back, and to make him a better contender at RG, though I think Draper is probably too tough to beat, right now, particularly comparing sf performances. I'm not hanging onto any ill-will towards Draper, though.

Actually I would love to see Ruud finally win a big title on clay, maybe 3rd time is the 'charm' still he will have to be on the Top of his game' to defeat Draper, who has been impressive all tournament, I feel this surface in Madrid suits his game to a 'tee'.
I am hoping for a competitive final, hoping that Ruud's rib problem ( which he had in his SF ) is not a factor in the final.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Shame about the DF that Ruud had earlier in this 1st set
Draper will serve out the 1st set 5-4. the altitude in Madrid really helps Jack with his shots, this court does play like a hard court, which suits his game, his fhand has been 'on song; he can use top spin and also flatten out when needed
Robbie Koening with the quote of this match so far,
Stefan Edberg in Showroom Condition' lol!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Poor service game from Draper and broken while serving out the 1st set 5 all
Jack will now serve to force a TB for the 1st set 5-6

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well done Ruud using your brain coming forward and pushing Jack back off the base line
Ruud snatches the set 7-5! what a turn around!

 

[Moxie]

Well done Ruud using your brain coming forward and pushing Jack back off the base line
Ruud snatches the set 7-5!

Wow...that was a change in fortunes. Draper cooled off, got tight, and Ruud used his steadiness.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Wow...that was a change in fortunes. Draper cooled off, got tight, and Ruud used his steadiness.

Indeed! Jacks camp worried about his left arm, Jacks level dropped and his second serve now is very attackable

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am not sure if everyone is aware of the 'mental struggles' Ruud has had recently he referred to them as the 'Hamster Wheel of being on the tour" he said he sought help and is feeling mentally much better, I would have never guessed he had been 'struggling mentally' as he has come across as a very measured and low key player.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Now it is Ruud's turn to dip with Draper having 2 BPs
Draper breaks and leads 4-3 2nd set

 

[Front242]

Only watching the scores but hope Jack D Raper doesn't end up injured again. He's had a decent enough injury free spell for a while. Nothing against Ruud but I find him way too boring and vanilla and hope Jack D Raper wins this but if his left arm is giving trouble he won't win. He's like a better version of Shelton mixed with Nadal. Surprised at Nadal fans preferring Ruud 'cos Draper's game is really like Nadal's with his big lefty power.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Only watching the scores but hope Jack D Raper doesn't end up injured again. He's had a decent enough injury spell for a while. Nothing against Ruud but I find him way too boring and vanilla and hope Jack D Raper wins this. He's like a better version of Shelton mixed with Nadal. Surprised at Nadal fans preferring Ruud 'cos Draper's game is really like Nadal's with his big lefty power.

I think Drapers game has improved well especially this year, great fh which he can use top spin and also flatten out, and a great lefty serve, my only concern with Jack is his fitness level, playing well in a tournament and having to retire, or a injury that he couldnt compete at his top level., though this year he seems to be in a better physical condition

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Draper wins the 2nd set 63, Ruuds level did dip badly
Going 3

 

[Front242]

I think Drapers game has improved well especially this year, great fh which he can use top spin and also flatten out, and a great lefty serve, my only concern with Jack is his fitness level, playing well in a tournament and having to retire, or a injury that he couldnt compete at his top level., though this year he seems to be in a better physical condition

Yeah, I get the vibe he's good for best of 3 only and hasn't got the fitness to win much at best of 5. I don't mean cardio fitness but he's always hurting some body part every other week.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yeah, I get the vibe he's good for best of 3 only and hasn't got the fitness to win much at best of 5. I don't mean cardio fitness but he's always hurting some body part every other week.

Endurance level is one of the main keys in a grand slam, hopefully the physical issues that have plagued Jack can be a thing of the past, he does have a well rounded game.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The balls are just jumping off the court, Rudd does have a 'heavy fhand' to boot!

 

[Front242]

Whoever wins the 3rd game wins the match.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Whoever wins the 3rd game wins the match.

Both players need to find their 1st serves for starters
This 3rd game is already 10 mins long lol!
Good mental effort from Draper leads 2-1

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Both players have dodged a couple of bullets early in the 3rd set
First serve is imperative from both players, in the final set, both have struggled to find it.,giving easy points