Andrey Rublev–Luciano Darderi 6–4, 6–3
Andrey Rublev is the Nordea Open champion for the second time. In Sunday’s final, the top seed defeated defending champion Luciano Darderi 6–4, 6–3 after one hour and 17 minutes of play.
The final began evenly, with both players holding serve and looking to take control through aggressive baseline tennis and powerful forehands. From 4–4 in the opening set, Rublev raised his level and won five consecutive games, giving him the first set and an early advantage in the second.
Darderi entered the final unbeaten in Båstad and continued to compete with intensity and heavy groundstrokes. The Italian created a chance to break back at 0–2 in the second set, but Rublev held firm and remained the stronger player in the decisive moments.
The conditions were very different from Saturday’s semi-finals. Cooler and cloudier weather made the court more humid and the balls heavier, leading to longer rallies. Rublev adapted better and showed greater consistency as the match progressed.
His serve played a key role in the victory. Rublev won 87 per cent of the points behind his first serve, taking 33 of 38, and rarely allowed Darderi to gain control in the return games.
The victory sees Rublev reclaim the title he first won in Båstad in 2023. It is the 18th ATP Tour title of his career and his first since winning in Doha in February 2025. He also extended his lead over Darderi to 2–0 in their head-to-head record.
“It feels great. To be able to win here for a second time is special. I’m happy with how I played throughout the week and that I was able to win the title,” Rublev said after the final.
