Alexander Bublik has won the European Open to his credit after a thrilling match against Arthur Fils. Bublik won his third ATP title through a mix of power and precision. Arthur Fils can look back on a fantastic week. Petros and Stefanos Tsitsipas win the doubles.
On the final day of the European Open, it was looking forward to the finals. It promised to be an exciting battle between third series leader Alexander Bublik and 19-year-old Arthur Fils from France, who played first series leader Stefanos Tsitsipas home in the semi-finals. It was their first mutual duel, immediately with very high stakes.
In the first set, Bublik enjoyed his serving. His returns were also of a high level and could force a break ball. Bublik seized his opportunity and was able to win the first set 6-4.
Arthur Fils seemed a bit affected by the set loss and had to give up his serve game early in the second set. Fils could not break back and saw the match slip through his fingers. Bublik served out the match and can call himself the champion of the 2023 European Open.
Petros and Stefanos Tsitsipas faced Ariel Behar and Adam Pavlasek in the doubles final. Both pairs were keen on the title and did not budge. It brought us a delicious tiebreak that went on to determine set 1. In the end, it was Behar and Pavlasek who won the tiebreak: 7-5. The Greek brothers went through their opponent’s serve and were able to level the score: 1-1 in sets. In an all-important super tiebreak, the Tsitsipas brothers won the match by a score of 10-8 in the supertiebreak. It is the first win for the brothers together in doubles on the ATP tour.
Kristoff Puelinckx, CEO Tennium: “The tournament is growing year after year in all areas, which is a nice observation. But of course there is still work to be done. We have to build on the great potential step by step. We have very loyal partners to make this happen: our sponsors, the government and in particular the City of Antwerp, our staff, our fans, the players,: together with them we are already working towards the 2024 edition.”
Dick Norman, tournament director: “The interest for tickets was huge, especially for the final days of the tournament. We were really overwhelmed by last-minute requests for tickets and even placed an extra 300 seats in De Lotto Arena. We rounded the mark of 30 000 spectators this year, who were able to enjoy top-notch tennis this week. We witnessed some truly fantastic tennis matches and the atmosphere this week in the Lotto Arena was truly incredible at times.”
“Edition number eight also met and even exceeded all expectations. The European Open is and remains a world tournament. You can see that in the international list of honours, in the top tennis and tension on the court and in the full stands. The Antwerp audience, which was pleasantly introduced to a new chouchou with Alexander Blockx, was -as was the winner Alexander Bublik- again in a class of his own. With the World Gymnastics Championships, the European Open and the Antwerp Marathon, we have had wonderful but tough (top) sports weeks in Antwerp. Even the Sports Capital of Flanders needs a breather now”, says deputy of sport Peter Wouters.
