By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, October 22, 2026
Photo credit: Screen Shot
One final lunging return fell into the net closing the curtain on David Goffin’s career.
Brussels fans stood in unison as one showing the former Belgian No. 1 reverence and respect after his final match at the European Open today.
American Alex Michelsen beat Goffin, 6-3, 6-4, but this entire farewell week belonged to the Belgian, who closed a brilliant 18-year pro career before adoring home fans, including his wife, Stephanie, and the couple’s daughter.
Parting can be poignant and an emotional Goffin pinched back tears absorbing the love from his home fans.
In a career filled with great heights—the son of a tennis coach reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in 2017, captured six career titles, won 357 matches and more than $19 million in prize money—Goffin’s class, grace and all-court acumen made him one of the most highly respected competitors of his generation.
A precision player with impeccable timing, Goffin was known for his razor-sharp backhand strikes down the line. Skilled in all areas, Goffin famously defeated Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer in succession to advance to the 2017 ATP Finals title match at the O2 Arena in London where he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the final.
As recently as March of 2025, Goffin showed he was still a dangerous to elite champions, shocking Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 at the Miami Open.
A stylish player who applied his skill taking the ball on the rise, shrewd court sense and sharp shot-making to deconstruct bigger and stronger opponents, Goffin’s game brought beauty, angle and subtlety to the forefront.
And on this night, Belgian fans showered their home hero in an emotional farewell embrace cheer.