Estoril Open Highlights: Casper Ruud gets back to form, defeats Miomir Kecmanovic in final to win Estoril Open 2023 title – Watch Highlights

Estoril Open Highlights: Ruud beats Kecmanovic – Casper Ruud lifted his maiden title of the year by becoming the champion at the Estoril Open 2023. The top seed defeated  Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-6(3) in the final. He has now made a great start to the season and looks to carry the form into the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.Follow Estoril Open 2023 LIVE updates

Estoril Open Highlights: Casper Ruud gets back to form, defeats Miomir Kecmanovic in final to win Estoril Open 2023 title – Watch Highlights

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“I feel great. It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess,” Ruud said during the trophy ceremony. “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.”

“I felt great. All my stay was great [with the] fans, great stadium, great atmosphere on this court,” Ruud said. “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.”

Estoril Open Highlights: Casper Ruud gets back to form, defeats Miomir Kecmanovic in final to win Estoril Open 2023 title – Watch Highlights

Playing against a longtime friend in Kecmanovic, Ruud wasted little time initiating his game plan in front of the Portuguese crowd. The Norwegian did everything in his power to hit as many forehands as he could. That strategy paid dividends early in the first set when he broke the Serbian’s serve at 1-1. He then earned a second break with a huge forehand blast to seize full control of the opener.

Kecmanovic raised his level early in the second set. The Serbian saved five break points he faced, but was unable to convert three of his own, so they went to a tie-break. Kecmanovic missed a neutral crosscourt backhand wide at 3/4 to relinquish the critical mini break. Ruud then earned another with a dipping backhand passing shot from well behind the baseline that his opponent was unable to handle.

With three championship points, Ruud needed just one. He blasted a ball into the sky to celebrate his victory before enjoying a warm handshake with his friend at the net.

Estoril Open Highlights: Casper Ruud gets back to form, defeats Miomir Kecmanovic in final to win Estoril Open 2023 title – Watch Highlights