European Open 2025 Quarter-Finals Schedule (Friday, Oct 17)
Brussels, Belgium – October 17, 2025 – The European Open has roared into its high-stakes phase, delivering a decisive ‘Championship Friday’ as the ATP 250 event concludes its main draw singles quarterfinals and sets the stage for the doubles final. Day 6 at the Brussels Expo in Brussels is arguably the most crucial day of the tournament, featuring four spectacular singles matches where 50 ranking points are on the line, and a single doubles contest that will determine the first finalists of the week. The action on Centre Court, commencing at 12:00 local time, is a packed itinerary of pressure-cooker tennis.
Doubles Decider: Veterans Clash for a Spot in the Final
The day opens with the critical doubles semi-final, scheduled for 12:00 CET, between the experienced Brazilian duo of Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo and the American partnership of Christian Harrison and Evan King. This match is not merely another win, but the gateway to the Championship Final, guaranteeing the winners a shot at the coveted 250 ATP points and a substantial prize money increase.
Matos and Melo bring significant pedigree, with Melo, in particular, being a former World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion. Their veteran presence and seamless understanding on the court make them a formidable obstacle in any doubles draw. For Matos, who has cemented his position as a doubles specialist, securing this final berth is vital for maintaining his ranking position as the season draws to a close.
Standing in their way are the unseeded Americans, Harrison and King. As is often the case in doubles, the unseeded teams who reach the semi-finals possess dangerous momentum and chemistry, having successfully navigated the early rounds against more established pairs. Harrison and King will rely on their aggressive returns and synchronicity to counter the net mastery of the Brazilians. The stakes could not be higher: the victorious team will advance to Saturday’s doubles final, ensuring them at least 150 points and setting up the first championship match of the weekend.
Singles Quarters: The Path to the Semis and 100 Points
The four singles matches to follow are all quarterfinal clashes, meaning the eight competitors have already secured 50 ATP points, but the real reward—the jump to 100 points and a spot in Saturday’s semis—looms large. For players like qualifier Eliot Spizzirri and home favourite Raphael Collignon, reaching the final four represents a massive, career-altering haul of points and a significant boost in prize money.
Not Before 14:00 CET: Lehecka vs. Bonzi
The first singles quarterfinal features the high-flying Czech Jiri Lehecka against France’s Benjamin Bonzi. Lehecka, currently World No. 17, has had a banner year, marked by impressive major tournament results and solid play on hardcourts. His powerful, flat groundstrokes are perfectly suited for the indoor conditions of the Lotto Arena. Lehecka is under pressure as the higher seed to confirm his elite status and secure the 100 semi-final points.
Bonzi, on the other hand, is known for his tenacity and defensive capabilities. To challenge Lehecka’s relentless aggression, Bonzi must leverage the energy of the indoor court to serve well and minimise unforced errors. If Lehecka executes his game plan—dominant serving and big forehands—he should control the narrative. If Bonzi can drag the Czech into long, physical rallies, the match could become a fascinating strategic grind.
Not Before 16:00 CET: Musetti vs. Mpetshi Perricard (Feature Match)
The marquee match of the day brings together two of the ATP Tour’s most compelling figures: the Italian flair of Lorenzo Musetti (World No. 8) and the thunderous power of Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
This quarterfinal is a clash of styles that promises fireworks. Musetti, the elegant shotmaker with the exceptional one-handed backhand, has demonstrated top-tier consistency throughout 2025. His ability to hit inventive angles and utilise soft hands at the net makes him the more complete player.
Mpetshi Perricard, however, holds the most dangerous weapon in the draw: a mammoth serve capable of taking any rally out of Musetti’s hands. The towering Frenchman, who has been rapidly climbing the ranks (career-high World No. 29 earlier this year), is always a threat on fast surfaces. Musetti has had the edge in their prior 2025 encounters, but Mpetshi Perricard’s recent victory over a Top 10 player in Shanghai indicates he has the belief and firepower to cause a major upset here. This QF will be decided by whether Musetti’s returns can negate the French missile.
Not Before 18:30 CET: Spizzirri vs. Auger-Aliassime
The evening session starts with a huge opportunity for American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri as he faces the tournament’s second seed, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Auger-Aliassime (World No. 13) is a former European Open champion and has shown signs of finding his best form again, including a semi-final run at the US Open. However, his round of 16 win was a physical marathon, and the Canadian will need to ensure his tank is full against an unburdened opponent.
Spizzirri, having fought through qualifying and the main draw, is playing inspired tennis. For a qualifier, reaching the quarter-finals of an ATP 250 is already a phenomenal result; making the semi-finals would be a truly pivotal moment, catapulting his ranking and status immediately. Auger-Aliassime’s serve and forehand combination must be firing to halt the momentum of the American dark horse, who has nothing to lose and everything to gain from this spotlight match.
Followed By: Collignon vs. Davidovich Fokina
The final match of the Centre Court schedule sees Belgian wild card Raphael Collignon attempt to extend his dream run against the charismatic Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
For Collignon, reaching the quarter-finals in his home country tournament is an exceptional achievement, fuelled by the energy of the Antwerp crowd. He has successfully carried the Belgian flag into the weekend and will enjoy tremendous local support.
Davidovich Fokina, known for his flashy court coverage, brilliant touch, and unpredictable style, is always a difficult opponent. The Spaniard has the experience to handle the pressure of a night match and will aim to use his creativity and defensive skill to break down the highly motivated Belgian. The winner will secure the final spot in the singles semi-finals, completing the decisive day of tennis in Antwerp.
Championship Friday promises a compelling series of battles, where the margin for error is razor-thin, and the rewards for victory are immense, setting up a thrilling semi-final Saturday.
