Casper Ruud beats Miomir Kecmanovic to claim Estoril Open title, ending nine-month winless run for world No. 5

Norwegian player Casper Ruud has won his 10th ATP Tour title by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic at the Estoril Open in Portugal. The victory marks Ruud's first trophy of the season and his first since winning the 2022 Gstaad Open last July. Ad Ruud won the championship in straight sets, 6-2 7-6(3), breaking Kecmanovic's serve twice in the first set to take full control of the match.

TennisCarballes Baena stuns Evans in Grand Prix Hassan II semi-finalYESTERDAY AT 18:43 Kecmanovic lifted his level early in the second set, and the Serbian earned three break points. Unfortunately for him, he failed to convert any of them and the set went to a tie-break which Ruud won comfortably. The championship point was, appropriately for a match dominated by Ruud, a forehand winner.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Kecmanovic expressed his disappointment. He said: «I had some opportunities in the second set, if I had used them, who knows...» Novak Djokovic set to lead the field as top seed at the Monte Carlo Masters Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena beats Britain's Dan Evans at Grand Prix Hassan II tournament Casper Ruud believes world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev can overcome his difficulties on clay The victory comes after a disappointing start to the season, with Ruud arriving in Portugal with a 5-6 record for 2023.

Ruud was delighted with the victory. Speaking on the court afterwards, he said: «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.” He continued: „I felt great. All my stay was great [with the] fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court.