Draper, Ruud bring spotless records to final

Jack Draper and Casper Ruud set up a clash of perfect records at the Madrid Masters as both powered into the final in straight sets on Friday.

Britain’s Draper, titleholder at the Indian Wells Masters two months ago, will play for his second title at the 1000 level on Sunday when he takes on the Norwegian.

Neither man has lost a set so far on the clay of the Spanish capital.

Draper overcame italian junior rival Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (4), while Ruud nursed a rib problem through his 6-4, 7-5 semi-final win over Francisco Cerundolo.

Since Wimbledon semi-finalist Musetti twice in juniors seven years ago and playing four times at the Tour level, Draper boasts a perfect 7-0 mark in the series.

He spent just under two hours in completing his latest success, holding off a charge from the Italian in the second-set tiebreaker before polishing off victory to hand Monte Carlo runner-up Musetti only his second loss on clay this season from 12 matches.

“Our quality did not drop from the first ball,” the left-handed winner said. “he plays so well on clay.

“He’s a different beast on it. To get this win means so much to me.”

Draper said the match felt nothing like those of the past. “It was a different game. We played a few times in juniors and here we are living out dreams on the biggest courts.

“It was a battle out there.”

Draper and Ruud have never played, with the Norwegian boasting a vast array of big-match clay experience.

“He’s made two Roland Garros finals; I’ll have to bring my A game for sure.”

Main photo:- Jack Draper celebrates winning semi-final – by ATPTour.com