British number one Jack Draper missed out on a first ATP Tour clay-court title as Casper Ruud edged an absorbing Madrid Open final.

Draper, 23, was beaten 7-5 3-6 6-4 in the Spanish capital.

“This sport is brutal but I will keep trying, I think this loss will make me better,” said Draper.

Despite losing the final, he will reflect on an impressive fortnight at the ATP Masters event.

Draper had previously never gone beyond the quarter-finals of a tour-level event on clay.

On Monday, he will rise to a new career high of fifth in the world rankings.

“I knew that Jack has been playing so well all year, so I knew I had to bring my A+ game. Jack is an incredible player,” said Ruud.