Ruthless Rudd defeats Humbert to claim 14th title in Stockholm – Tennis Now
By Richard Pagliaro Sunday, October 19, 2025
Image source: BNP Paribas Nordic Open Facebook
Sprint to the right, Caspar Rudd As he ran close to the side wall, he delivered a wonderful forehand pass that slotted into the goal. Ugo Humbert Waving in the air.
Even when pushed into an inconspicuous position, Rudd responded brilliantly.
A dominant Rudd made history by defeating Humbert 6-2, 6-3, becoming the first Norwegian to win the historic Stockholm Open title.
Rudd won 36 of 39 service points in an outstanding 66-minute performance in what he called his best match of the season.
This is Rudd’s 14th career championship and his second hard-court title four years after winning the 2021 San Diego title.
The confident Ruud never let Humbert have much of a say in what ended up being a six-time love affair that saw him beat the French left-handed striker for the first time on hard courts.
The moment Casper Ruud wins his second title of 2025 🤩👏#BNPParisbasNordicOpen pic.twitter.com/rOdxlhPBMM
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 19, 2025
“First of all I want to congratulate Hugo on his performance this week,” Ruud said after claiming his second title of the season. “I’m sorry today. I think I played my best game of the year against you. Sorry, but I’m really happy, but sorry Hugo.
“I know if I don’t play well, you’re going to destroy me. I know I have to wake up and play well. Of course, I’m happy to win here in Stockholm.”
Ruud achieved his childhood goal on a dream day when he became the Stockholm champion alongside Bjorn Borg, Arthur Ashe, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, Roger Federer, James Blake, David Nalbandian, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro.
“It’s kind of like a childhood dream because it’s so close to Norway,” Rudd said. “All the legends have played here in the past: Federer, Nadal, Borg, McEnroe, you name it. So it’s an honor to win a championship here.”
What a great week, Casper! 🏆🙌#BNPParibasNordicOpen pic.twitter.com/rldnGaMyU8
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 19, 2025
In two previous hard-court wins over Ruud, Humbert stepped across the baseline and hit the Norwegian’s weaker backhand flank with a left-hand forehand.
Nowadays, Rudd’s forehand power and accuracy often push left-handers back, sometimes making Humbert look as comfortable as a man trying to thread a needle while slipping on the ice.
The second seed scored 16 of the first 18 service points to lead 4-1. In the first 29 minutes, Luther hit 12 winning goals and made only 4 turnovers, while Humbert made 9 unforced errors.
After four games of the second set, Ruud forced the Frenchman to hit three backhands to break the net, making the score 3-1.
At the beginning of the fifth game, Luther hit a forehand winner and a backhand volley to lock the score at 4-1.
The former U.S. Open finalist won 19 consecutive service points in the second set.
On his second championship point, Rudd hit a backhand from the baseline and then delivered a leaping smash to seal his 14th career title.
Rudd improved his best ATP indoor record to 11-1 this season, and the win lifted him back up to No. 11 in the rankings.
