Brussels, Thursday 21 May 2026 – Norway’s Casper Ruud (ATP-17) will compete at the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open in Brussels from 17 to 25 October 2026. The former world No. 2 and three-time Grand Slam finalist further strengthens the field for Belgium’s biggest tennis tournament, which had already announced Belgian crowd favourites Zizou Bergs (ATP-38) and Raphaël Collignon (ATP-64) earlier this year.
Ruud (ATP-17) has been a consistent force at the highest level for several years. The 27-year-old Norwegian, born in Oslo, has built an impressive career on the international circuit thanks to his devastating forehand, outstanding fighting spirit and remarkable consistency. Not only has he captured fourteen ATP titles, including prestigious triumphs in Barcelona and Madrid, he also reached the Roland Garros final twice, in 2022 and 2023, and played the US Open final in 2022.
The Norwegian continues to deliver strong results at the highest level. Last week, he maintained his impressive form by reaching the final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome, where he eventually fell in straight sets to world number one Jannik Sinner. Earlier this month, he also reached the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid, where he was upset by Belgian rising star Alexander Blockx (ATP-36).
With Ruud (ATP-17), the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open once again brings a player with true international appeal to Brussels. The Norwegian will make his debut in Brussels this year, but he has everything it takes to become a fan favourite. A headline act. A potential finalist. His arrival adds even more prestige to a line-up that already combines Belgian stars with world-class talent. Alongside Ruud, both Zizou Bergs (ATP-38) and Raphaël Collignon (ATP-64) will also compete on home soil. Two players who will undoubtedly start the tournament with ambition and who will once again look to ignite the Belgian crowd.
Dick Norman, Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open: “With Casper Ruud, Brussels welcomes one of the top players on the ATP Tour. 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 Raphaël Collignon, this year’s edition is already taking on a fantastic dynamic.”
From delicate drop shots to thunderous aces. From long rallies to pure adrenaline. The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open once again promises a week filled with tension. Battle. Spectacle. Inside a roaring arena, the crowd rises to its feet with every rally as new stories unfold. Sometimes with favourites. Sometimes with surprises. But always with emotion.