On day five of the European Open, we said goodbye to Sander Gillé (ATP-31) and Joran Vliegen (ATP-31). The Limburg duo had to give up after an exciting battle against Austrians Erler (ATP-54) and Miedler (ATP-68). Second seed Stéfanos Tsitsipàs (ATP-12) survived a tough match against Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild (ATP-80) and eventually only won in three sets. Crowd favourite Zizou Bergs ( ATP-69) captured the scalp from Argentinian Baez (ATP-27) at the end of the evening, easily qualifying for the quarterfinals.
We started the day with the doubles team Sander Gillé (ATP-31) and Joran Vliegen (ATP-31). The Limburgers took on Austrians Erler (ATP-54) and Miedler (ATP-68) in the quarterfinals. After the thriller in the previous round, it quickly became clear that this was no easy task either. So Erler (ATP-54) and Miedler (ATP-68) stood their ground well in the first set and a tiebreak eventually had to bring the decision. Despite four set points for the Belgians, it eventually went to the Austrians: 7-6 (8).
Unfortunately, the second set did not bring much improvement for our Belgians. After an early break, the Austrians quickly ran out to 4-1, after which the tall Erler (ATP-54) brought the score to 5-3 with some powerful serves. The third match ball was the right one and ensured the elimination of our Belgians. (7-6, 6-3) Like the Tsitsipàs brothers, another favourite for the final victory has to leave the doubles tournament.
Tsitsipàs struggles to reach next round
Second seed Stéfanos Tsitsipàs (ATP-12) made his first appearance today. Last year’s semi-finalist took on revelation Thiago Seyboth Wild (ATP-80) this evening. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who impressed from the qualifiers, was initially able to keep pace with the Greek. After a tense start, a tiebreak eventually had to bring the difference. In it, Tsitsipàs (ATP-12) quickly took distance, but had to wait until the fourth set ball to finally end it. (7-6 (5))
Wild also made things difficult for the Greek in the second set, playing a ball magically through the legs, and surprisingly even took set two (6-4). In an evenly matched third set, Tsitsipàs, who had to eliminate three break points at 5-5, still pulled off the victory. The relief was big.
Crowd favourite Bergs reaches quarterfinals
Closing out the evening was compatriot Zizou Bergs (ATP-69). After the amazing victory in the first round, he tried to shine again against Argentine Sebastian Baez (ATP-27). The Lotto Arena was buzzing with excitement and roared upon the young Belgian’s entry.
Bergs made few mistakes, moved smoothly around the court and eventually slammed smoothly to win the set. The clenched fist of Bergs (ATP-69) spoke volumes. (6-3)
The Argentine, fourth seed in Antwerp, could not make a move and also underwent the law of the jungle in the second set. Full of dedication and with the atmosphere of the big days, our compatriot sealed Baez’s fate (6-4).
Come all and cheer on Zizou Bergs at the European Open! Your support can make the difference for our Belgian superstar. Together we will generate a fantastic vibe and make it an unforgetable day. Don’t miss it and let your voice be heard for Zizou!
Quarter-finals on Friday
The quarter-finals will be kicked off on Friday. In the first match, former winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-21) will take on Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut (ATP-60), former world number 9.
Then first seed Alex De Minaur (ATP-9) will face Frenchman Hugo Gaston (ATP-77) in his quarterfinal. Australian De Minaur (ATP-9), who lost to Gaston as recently as 2022 at Roland Garros, will no doubt be wary after a difficult start in the previous round.
In the two evening matches, second seed Stéfanos Tsitsipàs (ATP-12) takes on fifth seed Jiri Lehecka (ATP-33). In the mutual confrontations, it is 2-1 for the Greek, but last time it was the Czech who prevailed. Lehecka (ATP-33) easily disposed of German Daniel Altmaier (ATP-84) in two sets today. (6-4, 6-3)
Closing we do with Zizou Bergs (ATP-69). Can our compatriot make it to the semi-finals? If so, he will have to get past eighth seed Marcos Giron (ATP-47). Both men have never faced each other before and Giron (ATP-47) will undoubtedly want to punch home player Bergs (ATP-69) in the teeth. The American prevailed over Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech (ATP-62) in two tiebreaks today.
