Dick Norman: Brussels Tournament Hits Record 40,000 Tickets Sold

Top-tier professional tennis will remain in Brussels, tournament organizer has promised following a 2026 edition that drew more than 40,000 tickets sold despite a mid-tournament venue relocation.

Record Attendance and a Forced Mid-Tournament Arena Move

The 2026 edition surpassed previous attendance benchmarks by drawing over 40,000 ticket-holders, tournament director Dick Norman said. That figure marks a sharp climb from the 36,000 tickets sold in 2025 and the 32,000 recorded during the 2024 tournament held in Antwerp.

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This year’s event required an emergency relocation midway through the tournament, moving operations from Palais 12 to Palais 5. Crews constructed a brand-new spectator stand in just three days to meet the tournament schedule.

“It’s been a special edition, because of the gods of David Goffin but also the forced move from Palais 12 to Palais 5 during the tournament,” Norman said. “Building a grandstand in three days was a big challenge, and it was pulled off just in time. We were well prepared, and I am proud of the team that handled it.”

ATP Monitors Replication of Court Conditions

Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) officials closely monitored the logistical adjustments, according to Kristoff Puelinckx. Organizers had to replicate the precise playing speeds and court conditions of the original venue inside the emergency location.

“The ATP kept a close eye on the organization, but the federation was satisfied,” Puelinckx said. “The conditions in Palais 5 had to be exactly the same as in Palais 12, with an identical court speed. I have never seen a tournament have to move in the middle of the week, and it was quite an experience. It went well, but it was a long night for many.”

Tournament director Dick Norman@ZizouBergs Alexander Blockx@RaphCollignon andDJ @HenriPfr ready for tennis and music mixing on the centre court @BNPPFEUOpen pic.twitter.com/XDrZqBPDMH

— https://x.com/TennisBelgium/status/2112122833924940126

Tournament Follows Paris Masters 1000 in 2027

Looking ahead to the 2027 calendar, tournament leadership expects an even higher standard of competition. The event is scheduled to take place immediately following the Paris Masters 1000, a placement that typically draws elite fields seeking late-season ranking points.

“Next year, we expect a high level in Brussels since the tournament will take place after the Paris Masters 1000,” Norman said. “But we have a great field every year, like this one. The ‘Belgian Day’ is always a highlight, as David Goffin’s farewell obviously was.”