With five players from the top 30, the European Open promises to be a world-class tournament again this year. The event continues its tradition of presenting big names. After previously announcing international star Stéfanos Tsitsipás (ATP-12) and Belgian hope Zizou Bergs (ATP-72), the organization recently added former winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-21) to the list. “We always aim for a good mix of young talent and experienced players, which has been the success of the European Open for years”, said tournament director Dick Norman.
“Once again, we’ve managed to bring some of the world’s top players to Antwerp. With Stéfanos Tsitsipás and Félix Auger-Aliassime, we’re highlighting both the present and future of tennis. Adding Zizou Bergs to this lineup makes us even more proud. Zizou has become a true star thanks to his performances and charisma”, said a delighted Dick Norman.
Tsitsipás and Auger-Aliassime as crowd favorites
“We’re extremely proud to welcome Stéfanos Tsitsipás (26) back to Antwerp. This takes the tournament to another level”, said Dick Norman. “After losing the semi-final last year, he’s eager to take the title home. He’ll also be defending the doubles title with his brother Petros.”
“Tsitsipás is a real crowd favorite, which we can see from ticket sales”, added Ilse Van Parys, Event Director of the European Open. One of the tournament’s highlights will be Thursday, October 17, when Tsitsipàs plays his first match in the evening session, creating extra excitement and atmosphere.
“The participation of Félix Auger-Aliassime (24) is also fantastic news for our fans. His victory two years ago stunned the Lotto Arena. Unforgettable. The former world No. 6 will surely want to repeat that”, said Dick Norman.
Belgian star Zizou Bergs and wildcards for Belgian talents
For the home crowd, Zizou Bergs (25) is one of the highlights. The player, who performed well at Roland Garros and recently in the Davis Cup, will surely receive a warm welcome. “We’re thrilled to have Zizou back in Antwerp. Over the years, he’s built a strong bond with the fans and always gives his best in front of a passionate home crowd”, Norman continued. Zizou Bergs will take the court on Tuesday, October 15, in an evening match.
This year, fans are in for a treat, as the wildcards for the main draw are awarded to two promising Belgian players: Raphaël Collignon (ATP-199) and Alexander Blockx (ATP-262). It’s quite special for two Belgian players to receive a wildcard for the main tournament. After their Davis Cup debut last week, they now have a chance to compete against the world’s best players. A unique opportunity!
And the Belgian party doesn’t stop there! In the doubles competition, Joran Vliegen and Sander Gillé, two doubles specialists, will also compete. This duo has already achieved multiple successes on the ATP Tour, and the Belgian crowd will get to see their great teamwork live.
Making tennis accessible to everyone
The European Open also plays a leading role in making tennis accessible to a wide audience, regardless of their background.
Ahead of the tournament, the Street Tennis project was launched in partnership with the City of Antwerp, Tennis Vlaanderen, Ethias, and Sportpret, introducing tennis in a fun way to disadvantaged youth. These kids were introduced to the sport for the first time and will have the chance to receive further coaching, tennis lessons, and equipment in the future.
During the tournament, two more special initiatives will take place: the Ethias NextGen Day and School Day.
On Sunday, October 13, during Ethias NextGen Day, young up-and-coming talents will get the chance to train with none other than Dick Norman and Belgian Davis Cup coach Steve Darcis. Afterward, the players and their parents can receive personal advice and connect with experts, managers, and coaches from the tennis world. Koen Bergs, father of Zizou, will also share his experiences. Last year, this event was a big success, and we expect enthusiastic reactions again this year.
On Monday, October 14, the doors will open for School Day. Primary and secondary schools are invited to watch the games for free. Additionally, a tennis village will be set up at Spoor Oost, where young people can try out the sport before watching the top players live.
The European Open as the top sports event
The European Open remains a key event in Antwerp’s sports calendar. Peter Wouters, Antwerp’s councilor for Sports, is looking forward to another edition: “The return of top players like Tsitsipàs and Auger-Aliassime is a great compliment to the European Open and to the knowledgeable Antwerp crowd, which turned out in large numbers last year. These world-class players love performing in a buzzing Lotto Arena, even though they know they’ll be challenged by the younger generation eager to take their place,” said Peter Wouters. “The European Open often sees new tennis stars rise. Their impressive performances can inspire Antwerp’s youth to chase their tennis dreams. That’s why we support projects like Street Tennis and Kids Day, ensuring that every child in Antwerp gets the chance to catch the tennis bug.”
As a long-standing partner of the European Open, Ethias also highlights its support for the event and the development of young talent.
Peter Maris, Head of Brand Activation, said: “At Ethias, we believe that sports not only contribute to a healthy lifestyle but also bring people together. The Ethias NextGen Day and Street Tennis project are perfect examples of how we promote young talent and participation in sports in an accessible and inclusive way. That’s why we are proud to be a partner of the European Open, where passion for tennis and connection are at the heart of it all.”