With a dominant victory against top thirty player Sebastian Baez, Zizou Bergs once again had the Lotto Arena buzzing with joy on Thursday. The crowd favorite will soon be in the quarter-finals of the European Open, but Bergs is already looking further. “I’m trying to save energy, that can make the difference in the later stages of the tournament.”
“Fantastic, this is how you want to start the tournament.” Zizou Bergs could not hide his happiness after his impressive victory in the second round at the European Open in Antwerp.
Our compatriot defeated the Argentinian number 27 in the world Sebastian Baez in two smooth sets. Bergs completely lives up to the expectations of the home crowd.
“That is important to me. Especially here in Antwerp, where I always want to do well. To start the tournament so well, that gives confidence for what comes next. I am here on a mission.”
And that mission extends beyond the quarter-finals. Bergs does not hide that. “I look at it match by match, but I also take into account the further course of the tournament.”
“I try not to lose too much energy at times when it is not necessary and to rest well. I know that can make the difference in the later phase of the week.”
Additional weapon
But first Bergs has to fight his way through the quarter-finals. Our compatriot will meet number 47 in the world with the American Marcos Giron. A feasible option for Bergs, he thinks so too.
“I’m not afraid of it. I know how to tackle the opponent, I know him a little bit. I certainly have the game to beat him, so it is important to get on the court as best as possible.”
“Giron sometimes makes very strange choices, there is little structure in his game. He is a fast player, but the type I like to play against. I have to be able to take the upper hand, I know what I have to do.”
Giron is a fast player, but the type I like to play against. I have to be able to have the upper hand.
Zizou Bergs
Bergs also has an extra weapon: the Antwerp public. Against Baez, our compatriot again made great use of the energy of the home fans.
“There are always moments when you don’t feel optimal, you don’t always know where they come from. But when you have such an audience behind you, it is a little easier to push,” said Bergs.
“When many people come to see me and create such an atmosphere, that gives extra motivation.”
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