Draper loses to Ruud in absorbing Madrid final

Jack Draper was bidding for the second Masters title of his career - and the season. (bbc)

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British number one Jack Draper missed out on a first ATP Tour clay-court title as Casper Ruud edged an absorbing Madrid Open final.

Draper, 23, was beaten 7-5 3-6 6-4 in the Spanish capital.

An impressive start led to him breaking early in the first set, before Norway's Ruud fought back from 5-3 down to secure the opener.

After an emotional outburst in his chair, Draper recovered to level and ensure the title would be decided by a winner-takes-all final set.

But his serve came under severe pressure and Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, broke for 3-2 before serving out to clinch his first ATP Masters title.

"This sport is brutal but I will keep trying, I think this loss will make me better," said Draper.

"I thought there was a lot of good stuff but in a couple of key moments I felt like his level maintained and mine maybe just dipped off a little bit.

"Not quite getting over the line helps fuel my fire a bit more that I need to keep on pushing, I need to keep on improving."