BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON, May 21, 2026 (by Michael Dickens)
World No. 17 Casper Ruud of Norway will compete at the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open in Brussels for the first time this October.
The former World No. 2 and three-time Grand Slam finalist further strengthens the field for Belgium’s biggest pro tennis tournament, which previously announced Belgian crowd favorites, Zizou Bergs, ranked 38th, and No. 64 Raphael Collignon.
The 27-year-old Ruud, a native of Oslo has built his career behind his solid forehand, fighting spirit and remarkable consistency. He’s won 14 ATP Tour singles titles, including Madrid and Barcelona, and was twice a finalist at Roland-Garros, in 2022 and 2023, and the US Open in 2022.
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Last week, Ruud was a finalist at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, finishing runner-up to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
“With Casper Ruud, Brussels welcomes one of the top players on the ATP Tour,” said tournament director Dick Norman in a statement. “His participation will also mark the first time he competes in Belgium, making his presence even more special for tennis fans. Ruud combines calmness and maturity with remarkable intensity on court.
“A former World No. 2 and multiple Grand Slam finalist, he continues to establish himself year after year among the elite of international tennis. Together with Belgian players such as Zizou Bergs and Raphael Collignon, this year’s edition is already taking on a fantastic dynamic.”
The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, an ATP 250 indoor hard-court event, will take place from Oct. 17-25 at Brussels Expo. Tickets are available through the tournament’s official website www.europeanopen.be.
