Eastbourne, UK — Belgian rising star Zizou Bergs secured his place in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 Eastbourne tournament on Thursday after German opponent Daniel Altmaier withdrew from their scheduled quarterfinal match. The decision came during the second set of their encounter, with Bergs leading 6-3, 3-1, according to official tournament records.

Bergs, ranked No. 108 in the ATP singles rankings, now faces Jack Draper in the quarterfinals, a match set for Friday afternoon at the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club. The victory marks Bergs’ first ATP 250 quarterfinal appearance of the season and his third career quarterfinal showing in grass-court events.

Why Did Altmaier Withdraw?

Altmaier, currently No. 58 in the ATP rankings, cited a “lower back issue” as the reason for his withdrawal, according to a statement released by the ATP Tour. “Daniel is dealing with some lower back tightness that has worsened during the match,” the statement read. “He has made the difficult decision to withdraw to prioritize his health and recovery.”

This is the second withdrawal for Altmaier in as many weeks. He also pulled out of his second-round match against Sebastian Korda at the Queens Club Championships last week, citing similar discomfort. The repeated setbacks have raised questions about Altmaier’s fitness ahead of the Wimbledon Championships, which begin next Monday.

“It’s a shame to see Daniel go, but I respect his decision. He’s been playing well this season, and I hope he can get back to full strength for Wimbledon.” — Zizou Bergs, post-match (via ATP Tour press conference)

What This Means for Bergs’ Season

Bergs’ advancement to the quarterfinals continues his strong grass-court campaign. The 21-year-old Belgian has already secured two ATP 250 titles this season—the Open de Lyon in February and the Budapest Open in April—and has reached the quarterfinals in three of his last four grass-court events.

His performance in Eastbourne could serve as a springboard for his Wimbledon preparations. Bergs, who has a career-high ranking of No. 83, has never advanced past the second round at Wimbledon but has shown improving form on the tournament’s signature surface. His victory over Luca Nardi in the second round of Eastbourne—where he dropped just two games—demonstrated his ability to handle top-100 opposition on grass.

If Bergs reaches the semifinals in Eastbourne, he would become the first Belgian man since David Goffin in 2017 to do so at the tournament. Goffin went on to win the title that year, and Bergs has cited him as a key influence on his career.

Key Numbers: Bergs’ Grass-Court Run

Note: Serve speed data sourced from ATP Tour’s Hawk-Eye statistics for matches played between May 1 and June 26, 2024.

What Happens Next: Bergs vs. Draper

Bergs’ next challenge comes against Jack Draper, the British No. 1 and current ATP No. 68. Draper, who has reached two ATP 250 semifinals this year, defeated James Duckworth in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) to reach the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled for Friday, June 27, at 14:00 BST (13:00 UTC) on Court 1 at Devonshire Park.

Draper has struggled with consistency against higher-ranked opponents on grass this season, dropping sets to Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz in recent weeks. Bergs, meanwhile, has shown a knack for breaking opponents’ serves early in matches—a tactic that could prove decisive against Draper, who relies heavily on his powerful second serve.

Weather conditions in Eastbourne remain stable, with temperatures expected to hover around 18°C (64°F) and overcast skies reducing the risk of rain delays. The tournament has already seen minimal interruptions, with all matches thus far completed on time.

How This Fits Into the Larger Picture

Bergs’ rise has been one of the most compelling stories in men’s tennis this year. Since turning professional in 2021, he has climbed from No. 500 to his current ranking, a trajectory that mirrors the success of other Belgian players like David Goffin and Steve Darcis. His ability to adapt his game—switching between aggressive baseline play and net rushing—has made him a formidable opponent on all surfaces.

For the ATP Tour, Bergs’ success highlights the growing depth of European players outside the traditional powerhouses. With Wimbledon just days away, his performance in Eastbourne could draw more attention to the Belgian contingent, which includes Joris De Loore and Zdeněk Kolář as well.

Meanwhile, Altmaier’s withdrawal underscores the physical demands of the grass-court season. With 11 ATP 250 events scheduled between May and July, players are increasingly facing fitness challenges. The ATP has begun emphasizing recovery protocols, but the schedule remains one of the most grueling in the calendar.

FAQ: What Readers Are Asking

1. Could Bergs reach the semifinals in Eastbourne?

Yes, but it will be tough. Bergs would need to defeat Draper (who has a 6-4, 7-6(3) record in quarterfinals this year) and then either James Duckworth or Luca Nardi in the semifinals. His serve speed and aggressive net play give him an edge, but Draper’s experience on grass could be decisive.

2. What are the implications for Bergs’ Wimbledon seeding?

If Bergs reaches the semifinals in Eastbourne, he could climb into the ATP top 80 by Wimbledon, which would secure him a direct entry into the main draw without qualifying. His current ranking of No. 108 means he must either qualify or receive a wildcard to compete at Wimbledon.

3. Has Altmaier ever won on grass before?

No, Altmaier has never won a grass-court match on the ATP Tour. His best result on the surface came at the 2023 Halle Open, where he lost in the first round to Andrey Rublev. His struggles on grass contrast with his success on clay, where he has a 12-4 record this season.

4. Who else is making noise in Eastbourne?

Besides Bergs and Draper, Sebastian Korda (who defeated Alexei Popyrin in the quarterfinals) and Alex Molčan (who beat Lloyd Harris) are the other semifinalists. Korda, ranked No. 22, is the tournament favorite.

How to Follow the Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel (US), Eurosport (Europe), and TENNIS.com. Fans can also follow along via the ATP Tour’s official livestream on YouTube and Twitter.

For those attending the match in person, tickets for the quarterfinals are still available at the Devonshire Park box office, with general admission priced at £25–£40 depending on seating. The venue’s historic grass courts, last used for a major tournament in 2019, have drawn praise for their fast, true bounce.