Today at the European Open there were nothing but top matches on the programme.
There was clearly no shortage of stars on Star Wednesday. The audience could witness today how strongly Frances Tiafoe and Guido Pella, among others, placed themselves for the second round in Antwerp. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, winner of the European Open trophy in 2017, was taken by surprise in two sets by compatriot Gilles Simon.
A large number of tennis fans also showed up for the doubles today. No less than four Belgians entered the match. Fourth series heads Sander Gillé and Joran Vliegen needed to defend their position against Frederik Nielsen and Tim Puetz, yet won in extremis in a very exciting match tiebreak: 10-7.
“We would have preferred to have made it a little less exciting, but of course we are very happy with this victory”, Vliegen was relieved to mention afterwards. “Who was the most cold-blooded of the two of us? Today no doubt Sander.”
“We have played a lot of important matches this year, but having the opportunity to play tennis in front of our own audience in Belgium is extra special for us”, Gillé proudly completed his double buddy.
Occasion duo Ruben Bemelmans and Kimmer Coppejans played a very meritorious match in their turn, but they couldn’t make it against first series heads Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Ger Mies. After just under an hour of play it was 6-3 and 6-4.
Children meet idols on Kids Day
Today it was not only Star Wednesday at the European Open, also the youngest tennis fans were spoiled on their Kids Day. The children, who showed up highly, had the chance to see their idols up close for once and stood patiently in line for an autograph of David Goffin, Gaël Monfils and Andy Murray.