BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON, October 8, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)
The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open begins in less than a week in its new home Brussels. With the countdown to first ball nearly over, the 10th edition of the ATP 250 indoor hard-court has moved from Antwerp to the Belgian capital city, where the weeklong event will take place at Brussels Expo, from October 12-19.
In addition to elite-level tennis featuring global stars such as World No. 9 Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, No. 13 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, No. 28 Frances Tiafoe of the United States and No. 43 Joao Fonseca of Brazil, as well as Belgian hopefuls Zizou Bergs, David Goffin and Raphael Collignon, all ranked in the Top 100, the week will also be packed with a variety of themed days, family activities and exciting collaborations. It promises to be a full-fledged experience for all ages.
“With this edition, we want to bring tennis even closer to the people, especially young fans,” said tournament director Dick Norman in a statement. “We’re celebrating the sport with our most impressive player lineup in years, but we also want to inspire and connect. Whether you’re coming for the tennis, the atmosphere or the unexpected moments, there’s something special happening every day.”
✨ October is here.
It’s time for the BNP Paribas European Open
The stars are ready to shine on court…
But the question is: do you have your ticket?Get yours now and experience the thrill live.
️: https://t.co/PvoCz03ldq #bnppfeuropeanopen #atptour pic.twitter.com/anUYhpA04x
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) October 1, 2025
Following Saturday’s draw ceremony, the tournament gets under way on Sunday with the beginning of qualifying play. The opening day focuses on youth and family. During the Ethias Next Gen Day, eight young talents will receive an exclusive training session with a professional coach and player. In the afternoon, 150 children and their parents will get to attend an inspiring elite sports conference. It’s also Family Day that comes with a bonus: all minors pay just 10 euros for a ticket.
On Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14, the tournament will welcome schools from across Belgium for the now-famous School Days, in partnership with Tennis Vlaanderen. More than 900 students and teachers from 14 different schools will be able to attend matches for free and take part in a variety of fun tennis activities.
October 14 is also Belgian Day at Brussels Expo, which will feature Bergs and Goffin in action. Fans are encouraged to show up in red to support them.
Play with Zizou Bergs in Brussels!
Buy your ticket for Belgian Day (14/10) at the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open and enter the giveaway. Be the first to see the new venue! ️
https://t.co/z11SmXT0l1#BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/dcP1Lyqd2R
— BNP Paribas Fortis European Open (@BNPPFEUOpen) October 1, 2025
On Wednesday, October 15, the spotlight shifts to the youngest fans for the traditional Kids Day. As many as 1,000 children from tennis clubs will be able to attend at a discounted rate and enjoy activities in the fan zone, in collaboration with Tennis Vlaanderen and Tennis Wallonie Bruxelles. Sponsors Emirates, Costa del Sol and Turisme de Valencia will help to energize the fan zone with games and giveaways for the public. The day will also include an exhibition by world-renowned Cirque du Soleil.
Finally, on Saturday, October 18, following the final match of the day, the foyer of Brussels Expo will transform into an After Tennis Party space, featuring a live DJ to mark 10 years of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open.
