David Goffin (ATP-112) had beaten Zizou Bergs in Louvain-la-Neuve on Tuesday, but as defending champion had many points to defend this week.
Important, because Goffin was in danger of losing his Belgian leading position.
However, his exit against Abdullah Shelbayh (ATP-191) in 2 sets in the second round is not enough to maintain his status as the best Belgian in the ATP rankings.
On July 22, 2013, Goffin took over from Xavier Malisse as number 86.
At the end of 2017, Goffin was even 7th on the ATP rankings, but on Monday he will do no better than 133rd place.
Bergs becomes the new number 1 in Belgian men’s tennis. The 24-year-old player will occupy position 130 in the world rankings.
David Goffin had seen the storm. “I had to defend my title here, just like a quarter-final at the Auckland tournament,” he responded to RTBF.
“It’s just the way it is: I will be number 2 in Belgium. All the better for Zizou Bergs, maybe it will give him a boost.”
It is a new setback for Goffin. “It’s a shame, but I don’t mind. I’ll keep fighting.”
“It’s only at the important moments that things are a bit disappointing. That makes a big difference compared to the past. My tennis knew no bounds then.”
