Dhaka, May 6 -- Casper Ruud said winning the biggest title of his career in Madrid is a timely boost ahead of the French Open, where the world number seven will look to reach a third final in four years and claim his maiden Grand Slam trophy.

Ruud overcame both a rib injury sustained in the semi-final and a resilient Jack Draper to seal a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory in the Spanish capital on Sunday to become the first Norwegian winner of a Masters 1000 crown. It ended a run of six successive losses in big finals for the 26-year-old, including the 2022 French Open and U.S. Open title clashes and the Roland Garros final two years ago.

"With this win, I put myself back in a good position when it comes to ranking and seeding," said Ruud, who jump...