The European Open 2025 already promises to be a first-class edition. Following the previous confirmations of Lorenzo Musetti (ATP-7), David Goffin (ATP-63), Zizou Bergs (ATP-50) and more recently former tournament winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-28), the organisation announces another eye-catcher: French ex-finalist Arthur Fils (ATP-16) will also participate in Belgium’s biggest tennis tournament. With the addition of Fils (ATP-16), this edition of the European Open gains even more prestige, setting the stage for a stylish celebration of the tournament’s 10th anniversary, hosted for the first time in Brussels.
Arthur Fils (ATP-16) is no stranger to the Belgian tennis crowd. The 21-year-old Frenchman made a strong impression during his debut at the 2023 European Open, becoming the youngest player ever to reach the final. In an epic semifinal, he defeated none other than Greek star Stéfanos Tsitsipás (ATP-26), earning himself a shot at the title. It was a remarkable achievement by the then 19-year-old Frenchman on Belgian soil.
In the final, he faced the experienced player Aleksandr Bublik (ATP-31). Although Fils (ATP-16) had to concede the title in straight sets, he managed to captivate the crowd with his explosive game and powerful shot-making. Bublik (ATP-31) tellingly described him afterwards as “the next big thing.” A well-deserved compliment.
After his impressive performance at the European Open, Fils (ATP-16) continued his rise unabated. In 2024, he once again proved his class by claiming the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg, where he defeated German world-class player Alexander Zverev (ATP-3) in the final. Later that year, he repeated this success at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo, where his powerful game once again secured him the title.
This year, the Frenchman has been successful as well. He reached the quarterfinals at the ATP 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo, and even advanced to the semifinals at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona. There, he narrowly lost to Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz (ATP-2), but Fils (ATP-16) showed what he is truly capable of. Although an injury disrupted his campaign at Roland Garros, Fils (ATP-16) will undoubtedly be eager to prove that his earlier final appearance in Belgium was no coincidence.
With the arrival of Arthur Fils (ATP-16), the lineup for the tenth edition of the European Open becomes even more impressive. Earlier confirmations include top-ranked player and Roland Garros semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti (ATP-7), former European Open champion Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-28), and Belgian players David Goffin (ATP-63) and Zizou Bergs (ATP-50). With these prominent names, the tournament once again promises to be a first-class tournament.
This year, the European Open will be held for the first time at Palais 12 at Brussels Expo. The tenth edition will thus be celebrated not only at a new venue but also with an enthusiastic and large crowd. Ticket sales are going very well, it’s clear that the public is excited for the tournament.
Dick Norman, Tournament Director European Open: “We are especially proud that Arthur Fils (ATP-16) has once again chosen to participate in the European Open. He already showed in 2023 what an exceptional talent he is. I still vividly remember that epic final against Aleksandr Bublik (ATP-31), where Fils (ATP-16) repeatedly amazed the crowd with his power and flair. The fact that he wants to treat the Belgian audience to his spectacular tennis again on our tenth anniversary makes this milestone edition in Brussels extra special.”
Arthur Fils (ATP-16): “I have very fond memories of my previous participation in the European Open. The atmosphere in the arena, the support from the crowd, and the organisation were all outstanding. Reaching the final back then motivates me even more to go one step further this year. I’m really looking forward to playing in Belgium again, especially now that the tournament is being held in Brussels for the first time. That makes it even more special.”
