BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 (by Michael Dickens)
The journey toward the 11th edition of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open has kicked off. On Thursday, tournament organizer Tennium announced that ticket sales for Belgium’s premier ATP Tour tournament have official launched.
This year’s ATP 250 indoor hard-court event will take place inside Brussels Expo in Belgium’s capital city from Oct. 17-25, featuring top-level competition and a strong international field. Belgians Zizou Bergs, currently ranked No. 44, and Raphael Collignon, ranked 71st, the Belgian No. 1 and Belgian No. 3 players, are the first confirmed entries.
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The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, which began in Antwerp back in 2016 and last year moved to Brussels, has built a strong reputation on the ATP Tour calendar. Past winners include Jannik Sinner, Richard Gasquet, Alexander Bublik and Andy Murray. This year, the tournament will look to crown a new champion – a successor to current World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, who won the title for a second time last year.
“The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open has developed into a tournament with a strong international profile,” tournament director Dick Norman said in a statement. “The move to Brussels last year presented challenges, but ultimately proved successful, both on and off the court.
Back where he belongs 💥
Zizou Bergs is back.Ready to light up Brussels once again.
Energy. Intensity. A home crowd behind him.On met la patate 🇧🇪#BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/R6FLLtqoUq
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) April 30, 2026
“This year’s edition once again offers fans a unique opportunity to watch world-class players up close. We bring together top-level sport and a high-quality fan experience, with the ambition of delivering a week that leaves a lasting impression.”
The 26-year-old Bergs has made four previous main-draw appearances at the European Open. A recent victory over current World No. 15 Andrey Rublev at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters underlined his level of and confirmed his position as a consistent Top-50 player.
Meanwhile, Collignon, 24, was a standout performer last year in Brussels and reached the semifinals before losing to eventual-champion Auger-Aliassime. Despite dealing with a wrist injury, Collignon has maintained his form this year, winning recent ATP Challenger Tour titles in Monza and Pau.
Back for more… 👀🇧🇪
Raphaël Collignon returns.After a standout run to the semifinals last year, he’s ready to go even further.
Confidence. Momentum. And a point to prove. 🔥How far can he go this time? 🎾#BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/zYhQ8S67kw
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) April 30, 2026
The participation of players such as Bergs and Collignon reflect the improving strength of Belgian tennis today and the country’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“Zizou and Raphael perfectly represent what Belgian tennis stands for today: talent, determination and ambition,” Norman said. “They bring the crowd with them, point by point, and that is exactly what this tournament is about.”
Tennium CEO Kristoff Puelinickx said last year’s edition of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open confirmed the strong connection between the tournament and its audience. “The city proved to be an ideal host, with a large and engaged crowd,” he said in a statement. “This year, [the tournament] once again brings together top-level tennis and a strong fan experience. The atmosphere from last year, the energy in the arena and the connection with the crowd, remains a defining element.
“This tournament goes beyond sport. It brings people together, showcases Brussels internationally and creates a unique synergy between top-level tennis and fan experience.”
Tickets for the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open can be purchased via the tournament’s official website.
