Andrey Rublev claimed his second Nordea Open title with a straight-sets victory over Luciano Darderi on July 20. The Russian won 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes.
Rublev entered the tournament as the top seed and defeated Darderi to secure his 18th ATP title. The win marked his first title in 17 months after his previous success in Doha.
Darderi, the defending champion, lost his composure in the first set after an error. He tore off his shirt and threw his cap to the ground in frustration.
At the prize ceremony Rublev received a watch from sponsor Sjöö Sandström. A company representative handed over the award but did not notice Rublev’s extended hand for a shake and left the podium.
Rublev said after the match, “I feel great. To be able to win here for a second time is a special feeling.” The result lifted him two places to No. 14 in the ATP rankings.
