The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open kicked off in the Belgian capital with an opening day dominated by homegrown talent. With Basile (ATP-1354), Colson (ATP-502), Bailly (ATP-252) and the all-Belgian clash between Blockx (ATP-128) and Onclin (ATP-194) on the schedule, no fewer than five Belgians were in action, all chasing a spot in the next round. Meanwhile, the Ethias Next Gen Day, an inspiring initiative for young tennis talents, proved once again to be a resounding success.
The first match of the tournament featured 21-year-old Alessio Basile (ATP-1354), who received a wildcard for the qualifying rounds and faced experienced Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili (ATP-100). Making his debut in Brussels, Basile (ATP-1354) started strongly and even took an early lead, but Basilashvili (ATP-100) quickly regained control to seal a 6-4, 6-4 win. Despite the defeat, the young Liège native left a promising impression for the future.
Next up was the all-Belgian encounter between Alexander Blockx (ATP-128) and Gauthier Onclin (ATP-194). Blockx (ATP-128) immediately set the tone with powerful serves and a devastating forehand, racing ahead 4-1 and closing out the first set 6-3.
In the second set, Onclin (ATP-194) showed more fight, jumping to a 3-0 lead, but Blockx (ATP-128) remained composed. Even a slip on the court didn’t shake the 20-year-old Antwerp native, who responded with two more aces and a forehand winner down the line to complete the job. With a 6-3, 6-4 victory, Blockx (ATP-128) booked his place in the second qualifying round, where he’ll face American Eliot Spizzirri (ATP-105).
Shortly after, Tibo Colson (ATP-502) took to the court against Portuguese player Jaime Faria (ATP-118). The Genk native struggled early on and lost the first set 6-1 but found his rhythm in the second. Backed by the Brussels crowd, he took a quick 3-0 lead and levelled the match 6-3. In the deciding set, Colson (ATP-502) maintained his momentum, dominating with heavy groundstrokes and a strong serve. With twenty aces to his name, he sealed a confident 6-4 win, an impressive performance from the 25-year-old.
The final Belgian of the day, Gilles-Arnaud Bailly (ATP-252), capped off a successful opening for Team Belgium. Facing experienced Argentine Marco Trungelliti (ATP-141), the 20-year-old Liège player took control early and claimed the first set 6-3. Trungelliti responded in the second, breaking for 3-2, but Bailly (ATP-252) broke back immediately and pushed the set to a tiebreak. Showing great composure and mental strength, Bailly (ATP-252) turned the tables and closed out the match 6-3, 7-6. A gritty, mature performance that earned him a well-deserved spot in the next round.
Another successful edition of the Ethias Next Gen Day
As part of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, several themed days return to celebrate tennis in all its forms. The Ethias Next Gen Day once again proved to be a highlight. Eight young talents enjoyed an exclusive training session alongside Francisco Comesaña, Sebastián Báez and professional coaches, followed by an afternoon sports conference attended by 150 children and their parents. Also there was Joao Fonseca (ATP-43), the Brazilian rising star widely regarded as the next big thing in world tennis, who took time for photos and Q&A with the young participants. (See photos)
More Belgians set to shine on Monday
The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open continues at full speed on Monday with more Belgian action on court. Alexander Blockx will battle Eliot Spizzirri for a place in the main draw, while Tibo Colson takes on German Yannick Hanfmann, and Gilles-Arnaud Bailly faces France’s Valentin Royer in the second round of qualifying.
In doubles, Zizou Bergs teams up with Marcos Giron, while Raphaël Collignon and David Goffin begin their partnership. Blockx and Colson also join forces for this event. Meanwhile, Joran Vliegen and Sander Gille will face off as opponents, alongside their respective partners Ariel Behar and Romain Arneodo, in what promises to be a thrilling all-Belgian showdown.
