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David Goffin was in tears as his glittering career came to an end on Thursday. The former world No. 7 suffered a 6-3 6-4 defeat to fifth seed Alex Michelsen at his home tournament, the European Open in Brussels. Afterwards, Goffin became emotional as he was honoured with a special tribute ceremony, which included a video message from Rafael Nadal. The 35-year-old was still expected to play one final doubles match alongside countryman Raphael Collignon after they reached the quarter-finals in Brussels. But they suddenly withdrew, making Goffin’s straight-set defeat to Michelsen his last-ever match.
Organisers confirmed that Goffin and Collignon would not be contesting the doubles shortly after the former world No. 7’s emotional retirement ceremony. “The singles loss against Alex Michelsen was David Goffin's last match. No doubles with @RaphCollignon tonight. They withdrew from the tournament,” Tennis Belgium said on social media.
Goffin and Collignon had already beaten Marc Polmans and Jan Zielinski in the first round of doubles. In singles, the retiring Belgian earned one final tour-level victory against Remy Bertola in the first round – his first win in a year.
The six-time title winner had also tried to mount a comeback in his final appearance against Michelsen. After going 2-5 down, he won the next two games and had break points to level the score in the second set, the crowd chanting his name and cheering him on. But the American recovered to move into the quarter-finals, ending the former No. 7’s career.
A tearful Goffin then stepped into the court for a presentation, watching highlights from his career. He received a special trophy and book, and watched video messages from his loved ones and former rivals, including Nadal.
“I just want to congratulate you on your amazing career. It has been a huge pleasure to share practises and matches, great moments together on the tour,” the 22-time Major champion told Goffin.
Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille and Zizou Bergs were also among those who sent their well-wishes. Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Goffin to win the 2017 ATP Finals, said: “Congratulations on your incredible career and amazing journey, my dear friend. Thank you for sharing the court with me for so many years.”
During his career, Goffin earned wins over all of the Big Three. He beat Nadal and Roger Federer in the same week as he finished runner-up at the ATP Finals. The Belgian also stunned Carlos Alcaraz at the Miami Open last year and upset Ben Shelton at the 2025 Shanghai Masters.
That win over Shelton had been his most recent victory on the ATP Tour until he came from behind to beat lucky loser Bertola in Brussels earlier this week, adding one final win to his CV before saying farewell.
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