BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON, September 17, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)
Next month’s European Open, Belgium’s annual ATP 250 indoor hardcourt tournament, has taken on not only a new city for its 10th anniversary edition in Brussels. It also has added a new title sponsor in BNP Paribas Fortis for the event
On Tuesday, the tournament introduced its new title sponsor, giving the tournament its new name: the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open, a name designed to convey strength and confidence. Add to it the prestige of relocating the event from Antwerp to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, and putting it at Palais 12, Brussels Expo, a venue with an impressive setting and an environment that’s fully designed for comfort and spectator experience. It all means further support of tennis in Belgium and internationally.
#BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/DTg1cOYRJe
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) September 16, 2025
“BNP Paribas Fortis has long been a key player in the international tennis world,” said tournament director Dick Norman during a news conference on Tuesday. “With this new title sponsorship the bank reinforces its engagement to further strengthen the sport.”
BNP Paribas Fortis also looks forward to the first edition in Brussels, from Oct. 12-19.
“We are proud to announce this new chapter in our partnership with the European Open,” said Sandra Wilikens, head of private banking and wealth management of BNP Paribas Fortis. “Our goal is to provide a high-quality experience for all tennis fans, while supporting the next generation of champions. Together with Tennium and the city of Brussels, we are confident that the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open will continue to grow and secure its place on the international tennis calendar.”
Four Top 20 players in the Main Draw!
With stars like Jiri Lehecka & Frances Tiafoe, plus Belgian wild cards David Goffin, Raphaël Collignon & Gilles-Arnaud Bailly #BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/KHwPLbHV7F
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) September 16, 2025
Meanwhile, this year’s player lineup, which reflects both ambition and excitement, was announced by Norman. Led by World No. 9 Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, No. 13 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, No. 29 Frances Tiafoe of the United States and No. 42 Joao Fonseca of Brazil, the tournament welcomes a mix of world-class stars and rising talents. The provisional entry list also includes: No. 16 Jiri Lehecka of Czechia, No. 20 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain, No. 36 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France and No. 37 Jaume Munar of Spain. Defending champion is No. 48 Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain.
The complete BNP Paribas Fortis European Open provisional entry list
Earlier this year, Musetti was a semifinalist at Roland-Garros and reached the quarterfinal stage of the US Open. Auger-Aliassime was a semifinalist at the US Open after stringing together wins over World No. 3 Alexander Zverev of Germany, World No. 15 Andrey Rublev of Russia and World No. 8 Alex de Minaur of Australia. Tiafoe is a former World No. 10 and this year was a French Open quarterfinalist. As for Fonseca, the 19-year-old is highly regarded by many to be the future of international tennis.
Also, Belgian fans will welcome back home favorites Zizou Bergs, ranked 46th, and No. 87 David Goffin, who will be competing in his seventh edition of the event. Additionally, up-and-coming Belgians Raphael Collignon, ranked 91st, has been given a wild card into the main draw, and No. 279 Gilles-Arnaud Bailly has been given a wild card into the qualifying draw.
“With Lorenzo Musetti a Top-10 player and Roland-Garros semifinalist, we are bringing an absolute world-class talent to Belgium,” Norman said. “Felix Auger-Aliassime impressed us greatly with his US Open semifinal and he’s already left his mark on Belgian soil. We are also excited to introduce the young super talent Joao Fonseca to our audience. And, of course, we are thrilled to see our Belgian heroes David Goffin and Zizou Bergs back in the main draw. Their energy and play will undoubtedly make Palais 12 come alive. In addition to our established stars, we want to give the next generation of Belgian players a chance. With a wild card for Raphael Collignon, who thrilled us this past weekend and at the US Open, and Gilles-Arnaud Bailly, we are building the future of Belgian tennis together.”
Big smiles and big excitement!
Sandra Wilikens, Philippe Close, Dick Norman, Kristoff Puelinckx & Raphaël Collignon are all set for the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open! #BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/9wDuuKYauB
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) September 16, 2025
