Rublev Beats Ruud In Blockbuster Bastad Open Final To 2nd Title of 2023

| by Evita Mueller

After failing to go all the way last year, Andrey Rublev finally got it done at the Bastad Open by beating Casper Ruud in the final.

The Russian has one trophy to his name this year, and it's a big one. Generally, Rublev collected smaller events while struggling on Grand Slams and ATP 1000s, but this year, he finally won the 1000 one in Monaco. Now he's added a second trophy to his tally, and it's a pretty decent one, as it comes with a win over Casper Ruud in Bastad.

As a former champion and clay expert, Ruud was largely expected to have a slight edge here, but Rublev produced a really strong effort to win the match. The first set was a very close one as it went to the tiebreak. Both players broke before the tiebreak as Rublev took an early lead, but Ruud pulled it back.

2023 Bastad Open ATP Prize Money & Points Overview
2023 Bastad Open ATP Prize Money & Points Overview

The Russian looked better from the start of the match and he was the ultimate deserving winner of the first set. 7-3 in the tiebreak, largely thanks to sturdier play from the baseline. He has his baseline game working, and it proved enough. The second set opened with an early break by Rublev, who was even more precise after winning the opening set.

Confidence is key in so many things including tennis and Rublev showed it in this one. He broke Ruud once more to hammer down the decisive victory as it started to look rather ugly for Ruud who was out of the match completely.

It was further proven by Rublev finishing things off with a bagel, as Ruud couldn't wait to get off the court by the time the match ended. A fantastic win for the Russian 7-6(3), 6-0, who bounced back after a rather disappointing exit from Wimbledon. A 14th career trophy.

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