The European tennis Open – being held in Brussels for the first time – reaches an exciting climax this weekend.
From 12 to 19 October 2025, the best players on the ATP circuit have me in Brussels to celebrate the anniversary edition of the tournament, now called the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open.
The final takes place on Sunday afternoon at the arena, formerly called Palais 12 which has a capacity of some 15,000. The venue is one of Belgium’s biggest venues (topped only by Sportpaleis in Antwerp and the Trixxo Arena in Hasselt) and is located on the Heysel Plateau in Laeken, near the Atomium.
The winner on Sunday will received 107,000 euros.
This iconic event for tennis fans, which in the past has hosted big names such as Andy Murray and current World No. One Jannik Sinner, has taken a symbolic step forward by moving to the Belgian capital.
It is the tournament’s 10th anniversary and its first edition in Brussels after nine years in Antwerp.
Tournament director Dick Norman said,
“We are especially proud to welcome homegrown players like David Goffin, Zizou Bergs and Raphael Collignon who is in top form.”
As if to reinforce the point, Collignon won a place in Saturday’s semi-final after a convincing two-seat win on against Spanish opposition Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday evening.
Belgian wildcard Collignon reached the last four of the European Open at home by defeating Davidovich Fokina, the No 4 seed, 7-6 (5), 6-1 at the ING Arena in Brussels on Friday evening.
Norman added,
“This year is extra special as we are marking our 10th anniversary from a brand new location: Brussels Expo.”
He said this would
“elevate both Belgian and international tennis to new heights.”
Other well known tennis stars taking part this week included Italian Lorenzo Musetti, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Frances Tiafoe.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close said that he also welcomed the decision to relocate the tournament to Brussels.
BNP Paribas Fortis is now the title sponsor of the 10th European Open, Belgium’s only ATP 250 tournament. Underpinning this “ambitious” new partnership, the bank says its stated desire is to strengthen its commitment to high-level sport, young talent and tennis for all in Belgium.
Stephan Kabongo, its Head of Sponsorship & Events (Marketing & Communications), said,
“This new partnership is particularly close to our hearts for several reasons.”
“First of all, it strengthens our position as the number 1 partner of tennis in Belgium, continuing our long-standing commitment alongside BNP Paribas at the international level. Secondly, it allows us to offer new unique experiences to our customers, partners and employees around a major sporting event. Finally, we want to help the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open grow and become an essential feature of our country’s tennis and events calendar.”
He added,
“Our role as a partner of tennis in Belgium will remain steadfast and consistent.”
Another sponsor of the event this year is Emirates, the airline.
A spokesman said,
“We are delighted to sponsor this event which is an important one on the tennis calendar.”
