A bittersweet victory for the Belgian star Zizou Bergs. His journey hasn’t been easy, but he’s shown remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges throughout his career. In 2020, Bergs made his ATP debut and secured his first win against Albert Ramos Viñolas. He continued to rise through the ranks, winning multiple Challenger titles and eventually breaking into the top 100. In 2024, Bergs made his French Open debut, reaching the third round after defeating Alejandro Tabilo. He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 51 in March 2025. Now, at the Miami Open, he’s achieved a new milestone by taking down a Top-10 player. But what makes this day a sad one?
In a jaw-dropping upset at the Miami Open, Zizou Bergs, the 25-year-old Belgian tennis sensation, made history by defeating eighth-seeded Andrey Rublev with a convincing 7-5, 6-4 victory. This triumph not only marked Bergs’ first win against a top 10 player but also secured his spot in the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the first time. The victory was deeply personal for Bergs, as it coincided with the two-year anniversary of his grandfather’s passing.
Reflecting on this emotional day, Bergs shared, “Honestly I don’t know what to think yet. It’s just a very emotional day for me. My grandfather died two years ago on this day. I was playing Kokkinakis here. I lost 7-6 in the third and afterwards, I went to the locker room and got the news.” The 2023 match against Thanasi Kokkinakis was closely contested, especially in the third set, which went to a tiebreaker.
Today, despite being down 2-4 in the second set, he rallied back to win four consecutive games, wrapping up the match in just 1 hour and 41 minutes. “So yeah, today a top 10 [win] is just amazing,” he added tearfully. Bergs’ grandfather was more than just a fan; he was a constant source of support and advice.
In March 2023, Bergs lost his grandfather while he was in Miami, unable to attend the funeral due to his tennis commitments. He had to follow it from afar, a difficult experience for someone who cherished his grandfather’s presence. His grandfather often analyzed his matches and offered valuable advice, making him Bergs’ biggest fan.
In an interview with Clay Tennis in October 2024, Bergs expressed his deep connection with his grandfather, even after his passing. He noted, “After the match he loved to do analysis. I always hoped that if he passed away that he would keep advising me. And surprisingly, I felt certain signs, like stupid things, like dreams.” Bergs also mentioned that his grandfather would often accompany him on tour, and since his passing, Bergs doesn’t feel his absence as much. He described their relationship as “crazy” because “the connection is still there.”
Additionally, while his grandfather was his biggest support system, his father was also a significant part of his support network.
The 25-year-old has a huge support system at home
In May 2024, while Bergs was grinding it out in the United States, his family back in Belgium was firmly behind him. His father, Koen Bergs, is the ultimate superfan. As Zizou shared with ATPTour.com, “He’s definitely the biggest fan I have. He’s always watching, always waking up. I don’t know how he does it. He apparently doesn’t need a lot of sleep.” Koen’s dedication is inspiring, often staying up late to catch his son’s matches, even when they’re on the other side of the world.
Koen’s influence on Zizou’s career goes beyond just being a fan. He’s been instrumental in his journey since he first picked up a racket at age three. As Koen noted, their passion for tennis was sparked by his own father. When Zizou won the Tallahassee Challenger, he was visibly emotional, dedicating the title to his grandfather just weeks after his passing. Koen’s unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation for Zizou. “He was always the one who believed the most that I could make it,” Zizou said. “He was always like, ‘I believe in you, even though the results aren’t there.’ He always pushed me to do whatever I love to do, that was tennis.”
As Zizou continues to rise through the ranks, his family’s pride is palpable. Koen often takes to social media to express his support, like when Zizou qualified for the Rome main draw on his late father’s birthday. “Living this moment whilst my father in heaven is celebrating his birthday today,” Koen wrote. “So proud of this young man, my family, his team and his fans.”
With this kind of backing, Zizou is ready to take on the next challenge. On March 24, he faces Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the round of 32. Will he keep his winning streak going? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
The post “Went to the Locker Room and Got the News,” Belgian ATP Icon Beats Andre Rublev to Reflect on Special Victory on an “Emotional Day” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
