European Open 2025 Day 5 (October 16) Schedule Preview
Brussels, Belgium – October 16, 2025 — The BNP Paribas Fortis European Open 2025 continues on Thursday with an action-packed fifth day at the Brussels Expo, featuring a mix of singles and doubles matches as the main draw progresses into its crucial second-round stages. Fans can expect a star-studded lineup highlighted by top seed Lorenzo Musetti, who will make his long-awaited debut in this year’s tournament.
After four thrilling days filled with upsets and intense battles, Day 5 promises a blend of high-profile clashes and local representation, ensuring plenty of excitement for fans inside the indoor hard-court venue.
Centre Court: Musetti Takes the Spotlight
Play on Centre Court begins at 11:30 AM local time (+0200), opening with a doubles showdown between Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl against Americans Christian Harrison and Evan King. The Czech pair will aim to use their chemistry and baseline consistency to overcome the powerful serves and net play of the American team. Harrison and King, who impressed earlier in the week, will look to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the next round.
Following that, not before 13:30, Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili faces French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Basilashvili, known for his explosive groundstrokes, will need to bring his best against the tall Frenchman, whose booming serve and aggressive forehand have made him one of the most promising young players on tour. This clash between raw power and youthful energy could easily turn into a three-set thriller.
Later in the afternoon (not before 15:30), Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur meets Felix Auger-Aliassime from Canada in one of the most anticipated matches of the day. Auger-Aliassime, a former top-10 player, is looking to rebuild confidence after an inconsistent season. Dzumhur, meanwhile, continues to show resilience as he pushes for a return to form. Their contrasting styles — Dzumhur’s counterpunching versus Felix’s aggressive shot-making — promise a fascinating battle.
Then comes the marquee match of the day, not before 18:00, as top seed Lorenzo Musetti makes his tournament debut against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. Musetti, ranked No. 9 in the world, enters the event as the clear favorite and will look to carry his strong indoor form into Brussels. Hanfmann, however, is no stranger to causing upsets — his heavy serve and forehand can trouble anyone on a fast surface. This match will be a key test for Musetti’s patience and shot variety as he begins his campaign for the title.
To wrap up Centre Court play, Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp faces American Eliot Spizzirri in the evening. Van de Zandschulp’s experience and consistency make him the favorite, but Spizzirri — a qualifier with strong college tennis credentials — has shown he can compete at this level. Their encounter could serve as a fitting conclusion to an action-filled day under the Brussels lights.
Court 1: Belgian Presence in Doubles Action
On Court 1, play begins at 14:00, giving local fans a chance to support homegrown talent in doubles play. Belgian youngster Alexander Blockx teams up with compatriot Tibo Colson to take on Brazilian veterans Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo. The Brazilian pair, both accomplished doubles players with ATP titles to their names, will be heavy favorites, but the Belgians will rely on crowd support to pull off an upset.
The second and final match on Court 1, scheduled not before 16:00, features Monaco’s Hugo Nys and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin against the experienced pairing of Ariel Behar (Uruguay) and Joran Vliegen (Belgium). For local fans, Vliegen’s appearance ensures another opportunity to cheer for a home favorite. This matchup pits two of the tour’s most seasoned doubles duos against each other, promising sharp reflexes, tactical play, and long rallies at the net.
The Stakes Rise as the Tournament Advances
With the tournament now entering its decisive middle phase, every match on Thursday carries extra importance. For top seed Lorenzo Musetti, it marks the beginning of his title pursuit. For others, such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Nikoloz Basilashvili, it’s a chance to regain rhythm and confidence before the quarterfinal stage.
Belgian fans, meanwhile, will have plenty of reason to stay engaged as Vliegen, Blockx, and Colson look to deliver strong performances on home soil.
As Day 5 unfolds, the European Open continues to showcase a mix of established stars and emerging talents — a perfect reflection of the ATP 250’s reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic indoor events.
