Zizou Bergs scripted history at the Lexus Eastbourne Open by clinching his first-ever ATP Tour title, defeating Frenchman Ugo Humbert in a thrilling three-set final.
The 25-year-old Belgian rallied from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory, marking a breakthrough moment in his career and for Belgian tennis.
The final, disrupted by rain on Saturday, resumed on Sunday with Bergs showing remarkable composure. After dropping the opening set, he unleashed aggressive groundstrokes and sharp returns to dominate the second. In the deciding set, Bergs saved both break points he faced and struck 21 winners, outpacing Humbert’s 16.
This victory is historic—Bergs became the first Belgian man to win an ATP Tour title on grass. It also ended his six-match losing streak prior to Eastbourne, underscoring his resilience and determination.
The win catapults Bergs 11 places up the ATP Live Rankings to No. 37, ensuring a career-high when the official rankings update. For a player who had twice finished runner-up earlier this season in Auckland and ’s-Hertogenbosch, Eastbourne provided the perfect stage for redemption.
Sportsmanship was evident as Humbert warmly congratulated Bergs after the match. Interestingly, the two will meet again in just two days—this time in the opening round at Wimbledon, setting up a fascinating rematch on the sport’s grandest stage.
For Bergs, Eastbourne is more than a trophy; it is a statement of intent. His ability to adapt under pressure and thrive on grass signals a new chapter in his career. Belgian fans, long waiting for a grass-court champion, now have a reason to celebrate.
