ANTWERP/STARNBERG, September 15, 2022
This year’s European Open will once again feature a strong Belgian contingent: David Goffin, Zizou Bergs, Sander Gillé, Joran Vliegen and Gilles-Arnaud Bailly are all confirmed to play in Antwerp from October 16 to 23.
Goffin, 31, played the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in July after he had reached the stage of the last eight at a Grand slam tournament for the fourth time in his career. Goffin had plenty of chances against Cameron Norrie, but in the end the Briton won a thrilling five-setter.
“David is keen to show himself again to the Belgian public, for him it is always a bit of coming home to Antwerp,” said tournament director Dick Norman.
Bergs will also return to Antwerp. “Zizou assures spectacular tennis at the European Open. In 2019, Zizou was the suprise of the tournament with his victory against World No. 40 Ramos-Vinolas and he pushed 18th-ranked Karen Khachanov the distance in a thrilling three-setter,” said Norman.
“Today we know him as one of our country’s greatest talents. He is still only 23 and made his debut at Wimbledon this year.”
Belgian top talent Gilles-Arnaud Bailly of Limburg, second in the world junior rankings, crowned himself European U18 champion in Klosters, Switzerland in late July.
“Bailly played the final at Roland Garros and the final at the US Open at the U18 this year. This is the Belgian coming man,” said Norman. “He has an excellent mentality and is working very hard towards tennis excellence.”
Xavier Malisse will again compete in the doubles competition.
“Doubles with Lloyd Harris went very well last year, it was fun to do,” said Malisse, who reached the semifinals at last year’s European Open. “I didn’t expect to get this far. I had counted on one round, but suddenly we eliminated the first seeded. There was also a fantastic atmosphere. I want to prepare well for this year as well. I want to be sharp in Antwerp. I still play the Legends Trophy. It keeps me in touch with the tennis world. You see old colleagues again: at Roland Garros, Wimbledon,…: I play there without pressure.”
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