European Open 2025 Semifinals Schedule (Saturday, Oct 18)
Brussels, Belgium – Saturday, October 18, 2025 (Day 7) – The European Open has reached its penultimate stage, setting the scene for a thrilling ‘Semifinal Saturday’ on Centre Court. Day 7 features two blockbuster singles matches, each a decisive battle for a place in Sunday’s final. With all pairings boasting a clean 0-0 head-to-head record, the atmosphere in the Brussels Expo is electric, promising pure, unpredictable tennis as four hungry competitors vie for the title.
For the participants, the stakes have never been higher: victory not only guarantees a shot at the championship trophy but also secures 165 crucial ATP ranking points and a significant increase in prize money (estimated at over €62,000 for the runner-up).
The Centre Court schedule features an exciting blend of powerhouse players, consistent frontrunners, and an inspiring local hero.
1. The Power-Serving Showcase (Starts at 15:30 CET)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (FRA) vs. Jiri Lehecka (3) (CZE)
This opening semifinal is a collision of two of the ATP Tour’s most potent young weapons. It’s a battle of pure firepower, with both players demonstrating a penchant for indoor hardcourt success.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, currently ranked around World No. 37 (with a career-high of 29 earlier this season), has used his colossal 6-foot-8 frame and blistering serve to dominate this week. Mpetshi Perricard has shown impressive consistency for a player whose game is built on high risk, successfully navigating through the draw to reach only his second significant ATP Tour semi-final. His presence here confirms his status as a major threat on fast surfaces as the season winds down.
Standing across the net is the third seed, Jiri Lehecka (World No. 17). The Czech has enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 campaign, highlighted by a title run in Brisbane and a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open. Lehecka’s game is defined by aggressive, flat hitting from the baseline, particularly his devastating forehand. While the exact circumstances of his quarterfinal win (potentially by retirement) may have spared his legs, Lehecka enters this match as the higher-ranked and more established seed.
Given their similar, aggressive styles and their zero previous encounters, this match is expected to be dictated by serve. Look for heavy hitting, short points, and the possibility of multiple tie-breaks as both men aim to impose their rhythmic, offensive games on the fastest surface of the year. The player who best manages the pressure and converts the few break-point opportunities presented will earn the final spot.
2. The Home Hope vs. The Hardcourt Specialist (Not Before 17:30 CET)
Raphael Collignon (WC) (BEL) vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (2) (CAN)
The second semifinal is arguably the emotional centerpiece of the day, featuring local Belgian wild card Raphael Collignon taking on the two-time European Open champion, Felix Auger-Aliassime (2).
Raphael Collignon, ranked outside the top 80, is having the run of his career. As a home favorite, the 23-year-old has thrilled the Belgian fans with his deep run, reaching his first-ever ATP Tour semifinal on home soil. His tournament success, including a win over a highly-ranked opponent in the quarterfinal (likely Davidovich Fokina), has already secured him an enormous boost in ranking points (now guaranteed 100 points, potentially pushing him close to the top 70). Collignon, guided by former Belgian star Steve Darcis, will be lifted by a fervent crowd that will undoubtedly make the Lotto Arena feel like a fifth player on the court.
The Canadian, Felix Auger-Aliassime (World No. 13), is a pedigree player on indoor hardcourts. He is a multi-title winner, and his late-season surge has been evident this year, including a semi-final run at the US Open. Auger-Aliassime’s power, experience, and supreme athleticism give him the favorite status, but his path to the semi-final has been a tough fight, suggesting fatigue could be a factor.
For Auger-Aliassime, the challenge is not just the talented Collignon, but handling the immense pressure and noise of the home crowd. For Collignon, this is a free swing to achieve the impossible: defeating an indoor hardcourt specialist and reaching his first ATP final. Expect high-quality, high-drama tennis in a match where passion and power will collide. The winner advances to the prestigious final, guaranteeing a minimum €62,720 payday and a shot at the coveted title.
