A lot of activity and big names on day four of the European Open. Belgian talent Gilles-Arnaud Bailly (ATP-869) stranded after a handsome battle against Daniel Altmaier (ATP-84) while first seed Alex De Minaur (ATP-9) struggled to reach the quarterfinals after a three-setter against Roberto Carballés Baena (ATP-54). There was also a surprising farewell to the Tsitsipás brothers who will not renew their doubles title.
Bailly leaves the stage fighting
The crowd gathered en masse for the second match of the day and were immediately treated to spectacle. Bailly (ATP-869), once the best junior in the world and already conquering the scalp of Herbert (ATP-123) and Basilashvili (ATP-318) this tournament, started his match against German powerhouse Daniel Altmaier (ATP-84) without flinching. Our young Belgian showed what he is made of with a few clever points, but could not exploit break points at crucial moments. Altmaier (ATP-84), equipped with a destructive serve and an impressive backhand, struck mercilessly at 4-4, going through the serve of Bailly (ATP-869). The third set point was ultimately the decisive one: 6-4 for the German.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Both players were evenly matched, until the German went through our compatriot’s serve again at 4-3. Two match balls were then enough for Altmaier (ATP-84) to get the job done, and with a much-important ace he decided the match (6-4, 6-3). Bailly (ATP-869), who left the court disappointed, can be proud of the run in Antwerp after a difficult period.
First seed De Minaur (ATP-9) struggles to qualify for next round.
Ex-finalist and top-ten player Alex De Minaur (ATP-9) took on Spaniard Roberto Carballés Baena (ATP-54) in the second round. It was the Australian’s first match since reaching the quarter-finals at the US Open, and it was hard for the first seed to hide that. He lost the first set 6-2 with no chance.
In the second set, De Minaur (ATP-9) found himself again, made fewer errors and rushed smoothly to a 6-4 win. In the third set, the Australian was completely up to speed and was able to secure victory. (2-6, 6-4, 6-2) Tough win for the De Minaur (ATP-9) who will face Frenchman Hugo Gaston (ATP-77) in the quarterfinals.
Ex-winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-21)
The last match of the day was played by third seed and former winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-21). He had to get past Hungarian Márton Fucsovics (ATP-93), who recently eliminated our compatriot Raphaël Collignon (ATP-164), to reach the quarter-finals. Currently, the match between the two tennis greats is still in progress. The first set was a close match for a long time. Some unnecessary errors at bad moments killed Auger-Aliassime. First set to the name of Fucsovics (7-6). In the second set, the Canadian woke up and was able to level the score (4-6). The third and decisive set is now being battled out.
Doubles tournament: Disappointment for defending champions, Belgians Blockx and Collignon bid their farewells
Shake-up in the doubles tournament: defending champions Stéfanos and Petros Tsitsipàs surprisingly have to leave the competition. In a hard-fought duel with the Dutch duo Pel (ATP-177)-Haase (ATP-71), the brothers could not manage to make a move and went down 6-3, 6-4. The Greek tragedy was a fact and the brothers will definitely not renew their title.
After their earlier elimination in the singles, Belgians Blockx and Collignon now have to say goodbye in the doubles as well. After an exciting match, with chances on both sides, our compatriots lost to Czech-Croatian duo Pavlasek (ATP-42) – Dodig (ATP-28) 7-6(3) and 6-4.
Kids Day – For the youngest tennis heroes!
Wednesday was the perfect day for the annual Kids Day of the European Open. Organised by Tennis Vlaanderen, this day was entirely dedicated to our young fans. More than 870 children participated in clinics and played games to discover their love for tennis. An unforgettable day!
Thursday: Tsitsipàs and Bergs in full action
Day five again has a lot on the menu. We start with the doubles duo and third seed Sander Gillé (ATP-31) and Joran Vliegen (ATP-31). They take on Austrians Erler (ATP-54) and Miedler (ATP-68). After the thriller in the previous round, the Limburgers will undoubtedly want to take this hurdle a little more quickly.
The evening matches also promise spectacle. First up is Greek Stefanos Tsitsipás (ATP-12). With his style and charisma, last year’s semi-finalist is a player to look forward to. He will play Brazilian revelation Thiago Seyboth Wild (ATP-80) in the second round.
Rounding off the evening is crowd favourite Zizou Bergs (ATP-69). After the great victory in the first round, he will try to shine again against Argentine and fourth seed Sebastian Baez (ATP-27).