David Goffin was in tears as he sealed a comeback victory in Brussels, extending his career at the European Open. The former world No. 7, who is retiring on home soil this week, came from a set down and a break down in the decider to beat Swiss lucky loser Remy Bertola 3-6 6-3 6-4, winning six of the last seven games.
After the match, Goffin burst into tears and rushed to embrace his wife and daughter in the stands. The 35-year-old, who has delayed his retirement by at least one more day, joked that he had to cancel his party plans and postpone them too. He will now face world No. 37 Alex Michelsen in the second round on Thursday. Goffin is also still alive in the doubles alongside countryman Raphael Collignon, who was in his box during the two-hour clash with Bertola.
Emotional Victory on Home Soil
Speaking after potentially the last win of his career on home soil, an emotional Goffin said: "I don't know what to say, it was one of the toughest moments and nicest moments when I came on the court. The first few games were really tough for me with the nerves. Then I started to serve well, and then it helped me."
"But the most important is the support that the crowd gave me in the whole match from the start until the end. To finish the match like this, on a winner, with you guys screaming, it is just the best feeling we can have. I'm really happy that tomorrow, we do it again."
Party Plans Postponed
Goffin also joked about his celebration plans, saying: "I just have to cancel the party tonight! Just incase I booked something. But, pretty much every day, then I can lose every day, so I'm okay with that."
He added: "It was just the perfect moment for me. I couldn't have expected more support from the start of the week. It started with the doubles with Raphael, who stayed for my match. But he's playing first match tomorrow, so he has to go to bed now! He's still young."
Goffin thanked his supporters, saying: "One again, thank you guys. Thanks for my friends, coming to support, my family, my teammates, my staff, my daughter, who is there with my wife. So thanks a lot. It meant a lot. Tomorrow, same place. Not same time, a little bit earlier! But same support, hopefully, and same, I will give everything for you guys."
Career Highlights and Final Hurrah
During his career, Goffin lifted six titles and earned wins over Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He stunned Federer and Nadal in the same week to finish runner-up at the ATP Finals in 2017. Now ranked down at No. 657 in the world, his comeback victory over Bertola was his first tour-level win in more than a year. Goffin previously upset then-world No. 6 Ben Shelton at the 2025 Shanghai Masters but had not won a main draw match on the ATP Tour since.
