Belgians Alexander Blockx, Gilles-Arnaud Bailly and Gauthier Onclin have qualified for the next round of the qualifiers with some fine tennis.
On the first day of the European Open, there was an immediate lookout for a host of Belgians in action. Kimmer Coppejans, who was normally supposed to play the opening match of the tournament on centre court, had to withdraw at the last minute due to injury. A French duel between Perrichard and Escoffier was set to replace him. The still only 20-year-old Perrichard proved too strong for his compatriot, recording a quick 6-1, 7-6 victory.
On centre court, Zizou Bergs took on Frenchman Droguet. With a late break, Droguet won the first set. In set two, Bergs also struggled. Nevertheless, the Belgian from Lommel quickly found his rhythm again and was able to go through the Frenchman’s serve. The second set went awkwardly for Bergs, he soon had to surrender his serve. Only a successful tiebreak could keep him in the match. Urged on by the Belgian fans, Zizou Bergs won an exciting tiebreak 9-7. In the decisive third set, Bergs struggled with an injury. A quick 3-0 deficit made things difficult for our compatriot. The way back proved too long, Bergs lost 7-5, 6-7, 6-2.
At the same time, our other compatriot Gauthier Onclin was playing on court 1 against the 2.02-metre American Maxime Cressy. With both holding a set, it was fighting for victory in the third. In an all-important tiebreak, Onclin found extra energy and won 7-1. Onclin is thus one step closer to the main table of the 2023 European Open.
Alexander Blockx took on Hamad Medjedovic. Blockx cashed in the first set 7-6. The young Belgian brought out all his qualities and showed the Antwerp audience what he is capable of. A fast break and some great points gave Blockx the lead in set two. He won it 6-2. With this smooth victory, Blockx booked a ticket to the final round in the qualifiers.
The last match on the Center Court was in the name of Gilles-Arnaud Bailly. The 18-year-old from Hasselt faced Spaniard Pablo Llamas Ruiz. In the first set it was a draw for a long time. It was only in the decisive tiebreak that Bailly could be dominant. In set two, it was the Spaniard who struck out. With some nice second balls, he was able to cut off Bailly’s serve game. In the third set, Bailly proved too strong for the Spaniard and thus is also one step closer to the main draw. He won after a thrilling tiebreak: 7-6(5).
