Draper's praise for opponent Ruud after defeat in Madrid

JACK Draper was beaten in three gruelling sets by an inspired Casper Ruud in the Madrid Open final.

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The 23-year-old Briton, who attended Reed's School in Cobham, fought back to level the match after losing the opening set, but it was three-time grand slam finalist Ruud who held the edge on the crucial points.

Draper, who has now moved up to fifth in the world rankings after his brilliant run in the Spanish capital and bidding for a second ATP 1000 title in two months following his Indian Wells triumph in mid-March, fell short against the Norwegian, who triumphed 7-5 3-6 6-4 in just under two-and-a-half hours.

Draper was magnanimous in defeat, praising Ruud for his performance and vowing to come back stronger.

He said: “I'd like to congratulate Casper. A first ATP 1000 Masters win for you. I think you really deserve this, the way you played today.