Casper Ruud gained his first title of 2024 as he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight units to win the Barcelona Open.
Norwegian third seed Ruud defeated the Greek fifth seed 7-5 6-3 to assert the most important title of his profession.
It’s the first time the 25-year-old, who’s ranked sixth on the planet, has gained an ATP 500-ranked occasion.
“For me it means so much, that is my largest title that I ever gained,” mentioned Ruud.
“It is one thing I’ve chased for a very long time already. I’ve by no means gained a 500 earlier than or a 1000. I have been to a couple finals however all the time got here up somewhat bit quick.”
Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, was damaged early by the 25-year-old Tsitsipas however broke again within the sixth sport, earlier than occurring to transform one among two set factors at 6-5.
He then opened up a 4-1 lead within the second set after Tsitsipas hit a forehand into the online to concede a break, earlier than seeing out victory in 91 minutes to finish the Greek’s 10-match successful streak.
The win additionally avenged Ruud’s defeat by Tsitsipas in final week’s Monte Carlo Open closing.
Elsewhere, Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff earned a straight units win over American Taylor Fritz to win the BMW Open in Munich.
Fourth seed and residential favorite Struff beat the third seed 7-5 6-3 to safe a maiden ATP Tour title on the clay-court ATP 250 occasion.