Nordic Open winner Tommy Paul on black socks, wooden seating and whether that trophy is as heavy as it looks

“This is probably my favourite tournament in the world,” declared American tennis player Tommy Paul after winning the BNP Paribas Nordic Open yesterday evening. Dressed in an all-black New Balance look, the 27-year-old handily beat Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov in two sets. After taking some photos with the large, round trophy and fist-bumping some ball boys, Paul headed off-court to take a shower.

About half an hour later, in the bowels of the historic Kungliga Tennishallen (it’s housed the tournament nearly every year since 1969), Paul meets me in a no-fuss games room where I can finally ask him the question that’s been on my mind since he stepped onto the court for the final: why black socks? “Well, my whole outfit was black,” he says, matter-of-factly. “I wear black socks quite a bit, but not for any particular reason. I just thought it went well with the outfit.” In fact, with his post-match look – a relaxed hoodie, backwards cap, track pants and sneakers (also all New Balance – he’s worked with the brand for about four years) – he also wears black socks.

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At any rate, all black was an appropriate choice for Stockholm, which always welcomes a minimalist moment. Since he arrived in the city for the tournament, Paul has noticed that Swedes know their way around a strong look, so he knew he had to turn it out for the big match. “I can’t believe how well everyone’s dressed here,” he says. “When you walk on the streets, everyone’s wearing like… well, it’s basics, it’s a lot of basics, but everyone looks great.” Though he hasn’t had much time to enjoy all that Stockholm has to offer (“I’ve been going to bed a lot earlier this year than most years that I come to Stockholm,” he says), he has enjoyed a “nice dinner” or two, at Zink one evening and Portofino in Gamla Stan another. “I’ve been loving it,” he adds.

It’s no surprise Paul has taken a liking for Stockholm; when he won the tournament in 2021, it marked his very first ATP singles title. But it isn’t just his great track record that makes the Nordic Open so appealing to the American. “There’s always something special about playing at a 250 in that it’s a club that hosts the event,” says Paul, referring to the lowest tier of the ATP tour tournaments. “A lot of the time it’s sites that are put up a week before the tournament – especially in indoor events. It’s arenas or basketball courts or whatever, and they put a court over it and put up the stands. Here, this is a full-time, year-round court.” Built in 1943, the court boasts historic charm, with its wooden bench seating and modest capacity. “The wood stadium – I think it’s the coolest thing ever,” says Paul. “Especially when people start getting excited and stomping their feet.”

Plus, there’s the history; former tournament champs include Björn Borg, John McEnroe and Roger Federer. For Paul, it feels particularly good to win in a city with a rich tennis history. “Stockholm has a crazy good history, with the amount of Grand Slam champions in the sport,” he says. “People love their tennis here. The crowds are a lot of fun to play in, and the energy is great.” Though he’s a fan of Borg (“I mean, everyone loves Borg, right?” He says), his favourite Swedish player is Stefan Edberg, who, as it turns out, was sitting in the stands as Paul claimed his title. “I haven’t actually ever spoken to him, but my coach loves him, and we love the way that he used to play,” says Paul. “I’ve watched so many videos of him playing.”

There won’t be too much celebrating for Paul, who takes on fellow American Brandon Nakashima at the Vienna Open in just two days. “He got me two months ago – he beat me,” says Paul. “So I gotta get a little revenge.” Still, he needs to celebrate the moment just a little. “We’re going to throw back a couple of beers,” he says. “We’re going to have some fun, but we’re not, like, blowing it out.”

As for the Stockholm Open trophy, it’s just as heavy as it looks. “They asked me to lift it over my head, and I was like, ‘No sir’,” says Paul. “I haven’t lifted in two weeks. There’s no way.”