CASPER Ruud has won his maiden ATP Tour title, claiming the Argentina Open in straight sets over Portuguese player, Pedro Sousa. The Norwegian eighth seed survived a tournament which once again saw a number of players fall in upsets, exemplified by the fact that a lucky loser – one who lost in qualifying but gained a main draw spot – could get to the final. In fact, a number of withdrawals paved the way for both players, but in the end it was Ruud who was too strong, winning 6-1 6-4 in just 70 minutes.

The 45th ranked Norwegian turned professional in 2015 at the age of 16 and has steadily been building as a really strong clay court player. He broke through for a finals appearance in Houston last year, but this was his best chance to take home a title and he did it comfortably. He was too strong on serve, winning all but 11 points across his first (84 per cent) and second (63 per cent) serve, and managed to break three times from four opportunities. The experienced Portuguese counterpuncher won just 16 per cent of his points off Ruud’s first serve, and could only manage 43 per cent off his own second serve, showing vulnerability there.

The 145th ranked 31-year-old had never reached a quarter final on the ATP Tour before, let alone the final. Despite turning professional in 2007, he has had a journeyman type career, though he has made some inroads with this run. He has progressed 38 places up the rankings into 107th, and is now within striking distance of his career high of 99th which he achieved 12 months ago. Ruud is also up to a career-high, having entered the top 50 for the first time this year, the Norwegian is now into 34th overall and within arms-length of a seeding at a Grand Slam – timing his run perfectly towards Roland Garros.