Goffin keeps farewell alive with Brussels comeback
David Goffin rallied from 3-0 down in the deciding set to beat Remy Bertola 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Brussels. The 35-year-old Belgian, playing the final tournament of his career, postponed retirement and joked about cancelling a planned party. He will next face fifth seed Alex Michelsen.
Goffin came into Brussels with a wildcard and a No. 657 ranking. Before Wednesday, he had not won a tour-level main-draw match this season, having exited in the second round of qualifying twice. At 35, he is treating this week as the close of his playing career.
Bertola is a 219th-ranked Swiss player who entered as a lucky loser after losing in the final qualifying round. The match was just his second at ATP Tour main-draw level. Goffin reached a career-best No. 7 in 2017 and has won six tour titles.
The comeback may matter most to Belgian tennis fans and the Brussels crowd, who could experience a veteran’s farewell extended and share in the emotional lift. For casual observers, it may add appeal to live sport by showing how a match can turn unexpectedly. It could offer a modest example of persistence to younger players and local supporters, though any wider social impact is likely limited to sports culture.