Another world-class player has joined the line-up for the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, organised by Tennium: Arthur Fils (ATP-11). The 22-year-old French star will compete at Brussels Expo from 17 to 25 October 2026 and will be hoping to go one step further than in 2023, when he lost in the final. Recently, Fils won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, the biggest trophy of his young career. The victory took him to No. 11 in the world and sent a clear message to the rest of the tennis world.
For several years, France has seen Arthur Fils as a possible future Grand Slam champion. The Frenchman made his breakthrough in 2023 by winning his first ATP title in Lyon. Victories in Hamburg and Tokyo soon followed.
Fils made a strong start to 2026 and quickly found his best form. He reached the semi-finals at the Masters 1000 events in Miami and Madrid before claiming his fourth ATP title in Barcelona.
But the biggest moment of his young career came in Cincinnati in August. Fils defeated Frances Tiafoe (ATP- 12) 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 in the final to win his first Masters 1000 title. It was the fifth and most important ATP trophy of his career. With his powerful game and strong athletic skills, he confirmed his place among the world’s best. A real statement.
Arthur Fils: “After playing here in 2023, I am really looking forward to competing in front of the Belgian fans again. I still remember how passionate they were and how strongly they supported the players. I came very close to the title in 2023 but lost in the final. That experience gives me even more motivation to play my best tennis again this year.”
Arthur Fils and the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open: a story that began in 2023
Fils first competed at the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open in 2023. In his first appearance, the then 19-year-old Frenchman reached the final. Along the way, he defeated none other than Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was ranked seventh in the world at the time. It was quite an introduction to the Belgian fans.
Alexander Bublik proved too strong in the final. Fils lost 6-4, 6-4 and missed out on the title. A final without a trophy. A story without the ending he had hoped for.
Now, three years later, Fils returns. No longer the young talent knocking on the door, but the world No. 11. A winner of five ATP titles. And a new Masters 1000 champion.
Strong line-up in Brussels
The arrival of Arthur Fils (ATP-11) adds another big name to the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open line-up. Defending champion and two-time winner Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP-4), Casper Ruud (ATP – 20) and Belgian fan favourites Zizou Bergs (ATP-35) and Raphaël Collignon (ATP-38) have already confirmed their participation.
Belgian tennis legend David Goffin (ATP-310) will also compete in Brussels, where he will bring his professional career to a close in front of his home crowd.
From 17 to 25 October, it all comes together at Brussels Expo. Belgium’s best players. International stars. Exciting young talent. A farewell. And a French champion with unfinished business.
At Tennium, we are proud to be part of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open and to continue bringing top-level tennis to Belgium while helping the tournament grow on the international tennis calendar.
