European Open moves to Brussels with João Fonseca as eighth seed in ATP 250
The European Open, an ATP 250 tournament in Belgium, relocates from Antwerp to Brussels starting October 13, 2025. The move, after nine editions in the previous city, aims to expand the event in the Belgian capital. João Fonseca, the 19-year-old Brazilian ranked 43rd in the world, enters as the eighth seed in the competition held at the ING Arena.
The relocation decision seeks to elevate the tournament’s level, benefiting players and fans with improved infrastructure. The event, Belgium’s only ATP 250, awards 250 points to the champion and a total prize pool of 706,850 euros. Fonseca arrives in strong form, boosted by recent wins in the Davis Cup and Laver Cup.
The ING Arena, formerly Palais 12 at Brussels Expo, has a capacity for 12,000 spectators and indoor hard courts. Its proximity to public transport facilitates access for local and international fans. The tournament begins with qualifiers on October 12 and runs until October 19.
- Key attractions of the new venue: larger space for leisure areas and side events.
- Impact on ATP calendar: solidifies Belgium as a hub for indoor tennis in Europe.
🎾 Calendário 🎾
— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) October 7, 2025
Últimos torneios de João Fonseca nesta temporada. pic.twitter.com/ZQndvP6jW5
Reasons for the move to Brussels
The organization chose relocation to broaden the European Open’s reach. Tournament director Dick Norman emphasized that the new venue offers ideal conditions for growth. Brussels, a metropolis with a strong sporting tradition, provides greater visibility.
The capital has hosted high-level tennis events, such as the 2017 Davis Cup. At that time, Belgium advanced with Steve Darcis defeating Jordan Thompson. The ING Arena blends history with modernity, well-suited for elite tournaments.
Mayor Philippe Close highlighted the city’s role as a sporting capital. The partnership with Brussels Expo ensures full logistical support. This transition marks the event’s tenth edition, celebrating a decade on the ATP Tour.
Success history in Antwerp
The tournament built a legacy over nine years at Lotto Arena. Champions like Jannik Sinner in 2021 and Andy Murray in 2019 elevated its prestige. The event drew record crowds, consolidating Belgium’s place in the circuit.
In 2022, Félix Auger-Aliassime claimed the title, following the footsteps of French players like Richard Gasquet in 2016. The indoor hard court fostered intense matches, averaging 15,000 spectators daily. The move preserves this legacy while aiming for expansion.
João Fonseca’s current form
Fonseca is in a rising phase of his professional career. The Rio native has 21 wins in 35 ATP matches in 2025, including a title at the Argentina Open. His debut as a seed in Brussels marks a career milestone at age 19.
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Coached by Guilherme Teixeira at Yes Tennis, the Brazilian prioritizes indoor European events. After reaching the third round at the US Open, he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Davis Cup and Flavio Cobelli in the Laver Cup. This streak fuels his push for the top 40 by December.
In the Belgian tournament, Fonseca may face familiar rivals. He beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Cincinnati, 6/7, 7/5, and retirement. Sebastian Baez, another South American seed, is the current Rio Open champion, a tournament Fonseca will play in 2026.
Other highlights in the main draw
Lorenzo Musetti leads as the top seed. The Italian, a bronze medalist at Paris 2024, seeks his third hard-court title. Félix Auger-Aliassime, ranked 13th, defends recent semifinals in similar events.
Jiri Lehecka, a 2024 finalist, adapts well to European indoor courts. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Jaume Munar round out promising seeds. Arthur Fils aims for the top 25, while Zizou Bergs represents the host nation at 46th.
The draw takes place on October 11, setting initial matchups. The winner’s prize reaches 89,435 euros, encouraging fierce competition.
ING Arena’s sporting legacy
The arena hosted varied events in 2025, including Gusttavo Lima’s show on October 3 and Offspring in November. This versatility attracts diverse crowds to the tennis tournament.
In 2017, the venue saw an electrifying Davis Cup tie. Darcis secured a heroic qualification, echoing the excitement expected now. The infrastructure supports global broadcasts, expanding the European Open’s reach.
Local initiatives plan tennis clinics in Brussels parks. These efforts integrate the sport into the community, fostering new talent. The tournament reinforces tennis as an accessible activity in the capital.
The European Open in Brussels promises a balance of tradition and innovation. With Fonseca in the spotlight, the event begins a new era on the ATP calendar.
