Capser Ruud won his 10th career's ATP title after defeating Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2 7-6(3) in Sunday's final of ATP 250 tournament in Estoril. Despite being a top favorite of this event, the Norwegian had to fight hard for his place in the final. Ruud needed to prevail in deciding set's tiebreak in semifinal's match against Quentin Halys. The world's number 5 won 6-4 3-6 7-6(2). His Sunday's opponent had much easier work to do in semis, as he routined Marco Cecchinato 6-3 6-1 in just 69 minutes.
Same as in all previous matches during this week, Ruud was a pre-match favorite, being rated with an odd 1.44. The match started really well for tournament's top seed, as he won first set in a comfortable style - two breaks in the bag and 6-2 after just 36 minutes. Second set was much tighter battle. Many games delivered breakpoints, long rallies and ended up after multiple deuces, but no breaks appeared in this set. Tiebreak was another display of dominant performance from Ruud, who won it 7-2 and secured the first title of this year.
“I feel great. It is my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess. To be here with the trophy this Sunday is very special. It is been quite some months since I won my last title, so it is very important. I felt great. All my stay was great fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court. 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.” - said Ruud during post-match ceremony.
Here are the final's highlights:
