On the second day of the European Open, Gilles-Arnaud Bailly (ATP-869) was able to turn out with a punishing victory! Georgian Basiliashvili (ATP-318), former world number 16, was no match for the young Belgian, securing a place in the main draw for the second time in a row. In that, we did have to say goodbye to our compatriot Raphaël Collignon (ATP-164) today. He lost in two sets to Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (ATP-93) and thus bids farewell to the tournament. Ex-winner Richard Gasquet lost his match and was on display for one last time in Antwerp.
After yesterday’s handsome victory against Frenchman Herbert (ATP-123), Gilles-Arnaud Bailly (ATP-869) took on experienced Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili (ATP-318) today. This Georgian, with already five ATP titles on his record, was not an easy assignment on paper, yet the Bilzen player was able to offer solid resistance in the first set. More so, with guts and some great strokes, Bailly won the decisive tiebreak 7-4.
Basilashvili (ATP-318) was clearly searching and could not make a fist in the second set. The young Belgian steamed through and eventually made it easily 7-6, 6-1. Handsome work by our compatriot who will face German Daniel Altmaier (ATP-84) in the next match.
In that main draw, a second Belgian came into action today with Raphaël Collignon (ATP-164). His opponent, Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (ATP-93), reached the quarter-finals in the past and proved to have an extensive arsenal of weapons at his disposal. After an early break and a double fault at set point, the 22-year-old from Liège lost the first set 6-2. Also in the second set the same pattern of play. Our compatriot was out of the game and had to swallow another tough 6-0. Hard figures for Collignon.
Legend Richard Gasquet says goodbye in Antwerp
The first round was also the final stage for former winner and former number seven Richard Gasquet. The 38-year-old Frenchman, who announced his farewell last week, had to acknowledge his superiority to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ATP-37). He lost in two sets 7-6, 6-4.
Gasquet, the very first winner of the tournament and still the record holder with eight participations in Antwerp, has a close relationship with the European Open and was visibly touched at his farewell to the Belgian public.
School Day – youngsters get a taste of the sport of tennis
On this Monday morning, the doors were also opened for the School Day of the European Open. School children could first enjoy themselves in a real tennis village where they could show off their tennis skills. Afterwards, they were invited to come and watch the matches for free. Very enthusiastically, the 996 youngsters then fiercely cheered on their tennis heroes. Clearly a day not soon to be forgotten!
Belgian Day – Lots of Belgians in action on Tuesday!
Belgian tennis will also feature heavily during this edition. With Bailly’s win, we have no fewer than four Belgians in the main draw for the first time in the tournament’s history. And on Tuesday 15 October there will even be a real Belgian Day on which quite a few compatriots will be competing.
To start with the doubles team Sander Gillé (ATP-31) and Joran Vliegen (ATP-31), who have already put in strong performances this season and will play their first match against the French duo Manuel Guinard (ATP-71) and Gregoire Jacq (ATP-64).
Another Belgian who will be in action tomorrow is top talent Alexander Blockx (ATP-231). The 19-year-old from Antwerp is keen to show himself to the home crowd and will take on Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech (ATP-62) in his first match.
And finally, of course, all eyes are on Zizou Bergs (ATP-69), who will take to the court against Argentine Facundo Diaz Acosta (ATP-67) from 18:30. No doubt an exciting match and a moment that will rock the Lotto Arena.
First series head and top-ten player De Minaur may then warm up again on Wednesday, where he will open the debates from 6.30pm.