David Goffin isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
Playing in front of a packed and passionate home crowd at the Brussels Expo on Wednesday evening, the 35-year-old Belgian delayed his retirement with a stirring 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Swiss lucky loser Remy Bertola.
It was Goffin’s first tour-level victory in more than a year, and one of the most emotional of his illustrious career.
The former World No. 7, who had announced that Brussels would be his final tournament, overcame early nerves and then rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the deciding set, winning six of the final seven games to keep his farewell run alive.
After striking a final forehand winner past Bertola, his 13th forehand winner of the contest, Goffin collapsed onto his hands and knees in celebration, soaking in the thunderous applause from the Belgian faithful.
“It was one of the toughest moments and the nicest moments as well,” an elated Goffin told the crowd after his win. “When I came on the court, it was really tough. The first few games were really tough for me with the nerves. I started to serve well, and it helped me. But the most important thing is the support you gave me the whole match, from the start until the end.
“And to finish the match like this, on a winner, with you guys screaming, it’s just the best feeling we can have. So I’m really happy that tomorrow we do it again.”
Goffin, who shared emotional embraces with his wife, daughter and father after the victory, has plenty to celebrate as he prepares to close the curtain on a trailblazing career.
He became the first Belgian man to crack the ATP’s Top 10, qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, defeat a World No. 1 and reach an ATP Masters 1000 final, achieving the latter feat in Cincinnati in 2019.
The six-time ATP title winner is also Belgium’s Open Era leader in tour-level victories (357), singles titles (six) and Grand Slam singles match wins (69).
But on Wednesday, the celebration of his remarkable career had to wait.
“I just have to cancel the party tonight!” Goffin joked, revealing that he had made tentative arrangements for a farewell celebration, knowing that any match in Brussels could be his last.
Instead, he will return to the court on Thursday to face American Alex Michelsen in the second round, with another chance to extend his career in front of his home fans.
Goffin also thanked his friends, family, teammates and staff for their support, acknowledging the special atmosphere that has surrounded his final tournament.
“Tomorrow, same place, not the same time, a little bit earlier, but same support, hopefully,” he said. “And I will give everything for you guys.”
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