The European Open, a staple on the ATP Tour since its inception in 2016, is set for a fresh chapter as it moves from its longtime home in Antwerp to the vibrant city of Brussels. Scheduled from October 13 to 19, 2025, this ATP 250 event will feature 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams, all vying for glory on Belgian soil. With an entry list packed with established stars, rising talents, and returning champions, the tournament promises a week of high-octane tennis and compelling narratives.
For nearly a decade, Antwerp hosted the European Open, becoming a beloved stop for fans and players alike. Now, Brussels steps into the spotlight, ready to embrace the event’s tradition while carving out its own identity. The move has sparked excitement among tennis enthusiasts, who are eager to see how the tournament unfolds in its new setting.
Leading the field is Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the top seed and a 2025 French Open semifinalist. Musetti’s year has been a rollercoaster, marked by injury setbacks during the North American hard court swing. Still, he showed his resilience by reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Musetti’s elegant one-handed backhand and tactical prowess make him a favorite, but the competition in Brussels will be fierce.
Returning to defend his title is veteran Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, who turned back the clock in 2024 by defeating the much younger Jiri Lehecka in the final. At 37 years old, Bautista Agut’s relentless baseline game and mental toughness have kept him in the mix against the ATP’s new generation. His 2024 triumph was a testament to experience and grit, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can pull off another deep run.
Jiri Lehecka, last year’s runner-up and the fifth seed in 2024, is also back in the draw. The Czech star has steadily climbed the rankings and will be hungry for redemption after falling just short in the previous edition. A potential rematch between Bautista Agut and Lehecka looms as one of the most intriguing possibilities of the week.
Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 2022 European Open champion, arrives in Brussels with renewed confidence following a resurgent run to the semifinals at the 2025 US Open, where he was stopped by World No.1 Jannik Sinner. Once ranked as high as No.6 in the world, Auger-Aliassime has battled through ups and downs, but his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play make him a formidable contender on indoor hard courts.
The field is further strengthened by a host of international talents. Americans Frances Tiafoe, Reilly Opelka, and Marcos Giron bring their own flair and athleticism to the tournament. Tiafoe, known for his electrifying shot-making and charisma, is always a crowd favorite. Opelka, with his towering serve, can be a nightmare for any opponent indoors, while Giron’s consistency and fighting spirit have earned him respect on tour.
Brazilian prodigy Joao Fonseca is another name to watch. Still in his teens, Fonseca has already turned heads with his fearless style and big-match temperament. The European Open offers him another stage to test himself against the world’s best. Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Jaume Munar, both known for their tenacity and clay-court prowess, will look to translate their games to the indoor surface.
French representation comes in the form of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Arthur Rinderknech. Perricard, with his booming serve and athleticism, is steadily making a name for himself, while Rinderknech’s all-court game suits the fast conditions expected in Brussels.
The tournament’s entry list is a who’s who of ATP talent. Besides the top seeds, notable names include Sebastian Baez, Benjamin Bonzi, Zizou Bergs, Daniel Altmaier, Nuno Borges, Francisco Comesana, and several others who are capable of springing surprises. The alternates list is equally impressive, featuring the likes of Jacob Fearnley, Mattia Bellucci, Pedro Martinez, Damir Dzumhur, and even former top-30 player Sebastian Korda. This depth ensures that every match could deliver fireworks.
Looking back, the European Open has a rich history of dramatic finals and breakthrough performances. In 2024, Bautista Agut’s victory over Lehecka was a masterclass in veteran savvy, as he controlled the baseline exchanges and kept his younger opponent off balance. “Roberto showed today why experience matters,” noted one analyst after the final. “He was patient, precise, and never let the occasion get to him.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime’s 2022 triumph was another memorable chapter. The Canadian’s run to the title was seen as a coming-of-age moment, and many believe he’s poised for another deep campaign in Brussels. “I feel like I’m playing with more confidence,” Auger-Aliassime said after his US Open semifinal. “I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
As the tournament approaches, speculation swirls about potential matchups and storylines. Could Musetti’s artistry carry him to a maiden European Open crown? Will Bautista Agut defy Father Time once more? Can Lehecka turn last year’s heartbreak into triumph? Or will a new face emerge from the pack to make headlines?
One thing’s for sure: the move to Brussels has injected fresh energy into the European Open. The city’s passionate tennis fans are ready to fill the stands, and the players are eager to etch their names into the tournament’s growing legacy. With the ATP season entering its home stretch, every ranking point and victory counts—especially for those chasing a spot at the year-end championships.
The event also serves as a showcase for the depth of talent in men’s tennis. From seasoned campaigners like Bautista Agut to up-and-comers like Fonseca and Perricard, the European Open encapsulates the sport’s generational shift. It’s a place where veterans look to add another chapter to their storied careers, while the next wave of stars seeks to announce their arrival on the big stage.
As Brussels prepares to host its first European Open, anticipation is sky-high. The blend of history, star power, and the unknown makes this year’s tournament a must-watch. With so many compelling players and storylines, fans can expect a week of unforgettable tennis—and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
With the main draw set and the city buzzing, all eyes turn to Brussels as the European Open embarks on a new era. The action kicks off October 13, and by the end of the week, a new champion—or perhaps a familiar face—will have claimed the coveted trophy. Until then, the excitement only continues to build.
