From October 17 to 25, 2026, Brussels will become the beating heart of world tennis with the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open. For its 11th edition—the second to be held in the heart of the capital—the country’s largest tournament has established itself as a must-see event on the ATP Tour. Organized by Tennium, the event promises a week of rare intensity, from icon David Goffin’s farewell to his home crowd to an exceptional field led by two-time tournament champion Félix Auger-Aliassime. The competition also holds a major logistical surprise in store: a move from the ING Arena to Palais 5 right in the middle of the tournament!
ATP 250 and Belgian Passion: The Saga of Belgium’s Largest Tournament
Part of the official ATP World Tour 250 calendar, the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open has established itself as Belgium’s premier tennis event. Offering the winner 250 valuable ATP ranking points, the tournament attracts the world’s top players and the country’s finest talents every fall, in both singles and doubles. Launched by Tennium, the event forged its legacy by making the Lotto Arena in Antwerp its historic home, where it thrilled fans for nearly a decade.
For its 11th edition, the country’s largest tennis event is reaffirming its strategic shift by setting up shop at Brussels Expo for the second consecutive year. This move to the heart of the capital allows the event to welcome an ever-growing audience. Between an electric, fan-driven atmosphere—symbolized by the traditional “Belgian Day” —and the support of key partners such as the City of Brussels and BNP Paribas Fortis, the tournament continues to make history.
Goffin’s farewell, global stars, and a logistical challenge: a historic 2026 European Open!
This year’s edition promises to be particularly intense , both athletically and emotionally. Headlining the event, Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime, the two-time defending champion, will attempt to claim a historic third title against a prestigious field led by Arthur Fils and Casper Ruud. But the fans’ hearts will beat especially for the home-grown talent. WhileAlexander Blockx, Zizou Bergs, and Raphaël Collignon represent the ambitious next generation, the event will be marked by David Goffin’s poignant farewell. After 17 years at the top, the Belgian tennis icon will play the very last tournament of his career in front of his home crowd.
Beyond the action on the court, the organizers are facing a completely unprecedented logistical challenge. The competition will begin atthe ING Arena for the qualifying rounds and the early rounds, before moving to Palais 5 for the finals weekend. This surprise move in the middle of the tournament—due to concert scheduling at the ING Arena—will allow the event to unveil a brand-new, custom-built Center Court. With a reimagined fan experience, everything is set to provide an exceptional setting for this historic tribute.
📍Brussels Expo, Pl. de Belgique 1, 1020 Brussels
📅 Sunday, October 17 through Sunday, October 25, 2026
