David Goffin gave Belgian tennis fans another reason to cheer as he fought back from a set down and a 0-3 deficit in the deciding set to defeat Switzerland's Remy Bertola at the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open in Brussels.
Playing what is expected to be his final professional tournament, the former world No. 7 secured a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in two hours and seven minutes to advance to the next round.
Goffin faced a difficult start against lucky loser Bertola, dropping the opening set before finding his rhythm in the second. However, the Belgian found himself in serious trouble again when he fell three games behind in the decider.
With the home crowd firmly behind him, Goffin produced a determined response, winning six of the final seven games to complete the turnaround and keep his farewell run going.
Speaking after the match, the 34-year-old admitted that the occasion had brought a mixture of nerves and emotion.
“I don't know what to say, it was one of the toughest moments and nicest moments when I came on the court,” Goffin said.
“The first few games were really tough for me with the nerves. Then I started to serve well.”
He also credited the crowd for helping him through the difficult moments, describing their support as one of the best feelings a player could experience.
Goffin's composure under pressure was reflected in his ability to save nine of the 11 break points he faced. The victory also marked his first tour-level win since defeating then-world No. 6 Ben Shelton at the Shanghai Masters last year.
The Belgian will next face American Alex Michelsen for a place in the quarter-finals, giving him another opportunity to extend what could be the final chapter of his ATP Tour career.
Elsewhere at the ATP 250 tournament, third seed Francisco Cerundolo advanced with a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Martin Damm. The Argentine became the first player from his country to reach the Brussels quarter-finals since Diego Schwartzman in 2021. He will next meet French qualifier Clement Chidekh.
Chidekh continued his impressive campaign by defeating Jacob Fearnley 7-6(4), 6-2. Having already upset seventh seed Botic van de Zandschulp, the Frenchman secured his first career appearance in a tour-level quarter-final.
Tallon Griekspoor also progressed after overcoming eighth seed Mariano Navone 7-6(4), 7-5 in one hour and 48 minutes. The Dutchman reached his 25th tour-level quarter-final of the season and became the first Dutch player to reach the last eight in the tournament's history.
Meanwhile, Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff defeated Belgian wild card Gauthier Onclin 6-4, 6-2 to secure his place in the next round.
While several players continued their pursuit of the title, Goffin's comeback remained the day's standout story. With his home crowd behind him and his farewell still underway, the Belgian veteran has ensured that his final tournament will last at least one more match.
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