The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, organized by Tennium, officially launched its tenth edition on Sunday, October 12, in Brussels, delivering a day filled with excitement and high-quality tennis. Held at the Brussels Expo, the tournament’s opening day was highlighted by standout performances from local players and emerging talents, thrilling fans from the very start.
Belgian tennis made a strong impression on Sunday. Alexander Blockx (ATP-128), Gilles-Arnaud Bailly (ATP-252), and Tibo Colson (ATP-502) all shone in their respective matches, showcasing the country’s promising tennis scene. Bailly secured his place in the main draw with a solid victory over France’s Valentin Royer (ATP-70), while Blockx and Colson left a positive mark despite falling in the second round of the qualifying stage.
Off the court, the atmosphere was just as festive. During Media Day at the iconic Atomium, top players including Zizou Bergs (ATP-39), Joao Fonseca (ATP-45), and Jiri Lehecka (ATP-17) engaged with the press and took part in a playful cake-decorating challenge celebrating the tournament’s 10th anniversary. The activity reflected the friendly, innovative, and dynamic spirit that has become synonymous with the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open.
Monday continued with a packed schedule, featuring multiple Belgian players in the main draw alongside international stars such as Francisco Comesaña, Marcos Giron, Benjamin Bonzi, and Reilly Opelka. The Ethias Next Gen Day also inspired hundreds of young talents, who had the chance to train alongside professional players and experience the magic of the tournament up close.
Attention now turns to Belgian Day on Tuesday, October 14, when local fans will enjoy thrilling matchups featuring David Goffin, Zizou Bergs, and Raphaël Collignon, as well as the eagerly anticipated debut of Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca.
With this milestone tenth edition, Tennium aims to further cement the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open as a premier event on the European indoor circuit, attracting elite players while offering an increasingly immersive experience for tennis fans.
