The Nordic Open in Stockholm has reached an exciting second round, featuring a compelling matchup between Ugo Humbert and Matteo Berrettini, alongside a contest between Miomir Kecmanovic and Tomas Martin Etcheverry as they vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.
In the showdown between Humbert and Berrettini, this marks their fifth encounter on the professional circuit. Berrettini holds a dominant 3-0 lead in their head-to-head record from main tour events, although Humbert did secure a victory against him in a Challenger match back in 2017. The Italian’s wins came at significant competitions, including the U.S. Open in both 2020 and 2023, as well as the 2022 ATP Cup, with all matches resulting in straight-sets victories.
Both players have faced challenges in the 2025 season due to various physical issues. Humbert is currently sitting at 19-18 for the year, with a disappointing 4-8 record in his last 12 matches. In contrast, Berrettini has not had an impressive run since reaching the quarterfinals in Miami back in March, but he has found some rhythm in Stockholm after defeating Giulio Zeppieri 6-4, 6-2 in his opening match. Given Berrettini’s past success against Humbert and his recent form, he is favored to maintain his edge in this matchup.
Meanwhile, Kecmanovic enters his match against Etcheverry with a pressing need for a win, having struggled lately with a 4-8 record in his past 12 matches, excluding a solitary victory over world No. 479 Ergi Kirkin. However, Kecmanovic displayed a much-needed resurgence with a strong 6-4, 6-1 win against Alexandre Muller on Monday. The upcoming match against Etcheverry stands at a balanced 1-1 in their head-to-head encounters. Kecmanovic previously triumphed at the 2022 French Open, but Etcheverry avenged that loss this past spring on indoor hard courts in Paris. Known for his all-court prowess, the 63rd-ranked Etcheverry is expected to carry momentum from his recent victory over qualifier Mark Lajal and look to capitalize on Kecmanovic’s fluctuating form.
As the tournament progresses, both Humbert and Kecmanovic will aim to turn their seasons around, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity as they contend against formidable opponents. Fans are eager to see how these exciting matchups unfold in the quest for quarterfinal berths.