Tears in Brussels as David Goffin Ends 18-Year Career After Michelsen Defeat

Belgium's greatest tennis player David Goffin retired on Thursday after losing 6-3, 6-4 to Alex Michelsen in Brussels, ending an 18-year career that took him to world No. 7.

Tears in Brussels as David Goffin Ends 18-Year Career After Michelsen Defeat

David Goffin's singles career came to an emotional end in Brussels on Thursday as the 35-year-old Belgian lost 6-3, 6-4 to fifth seed Alex Michelsen in the second round of the ATP 250 event, then broke down in tears during a tribute ceremony. Goffin had extended his farewell by one match on Wednesday, rallying from 3-0 down in the deciding set to beat Remy Bertola 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and win at least one tour-level match in 16 consecutive seasons. But 22-year-old American Michelsen, ranked No. 37, broke early in both sets and was too steady, reaching his fifth quarterfinal of the season. After the match, a tribute video played on the stadium's giant screen with messages from Rafael Nadal — "It was an immense pleasure to share practice sessions, matches and great moments alongside you on the tour" — plus Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille and Goffin's own family. Goffin retires as the only Belgian man to reach the ATP top 10, peaking at world No. 7. His career included six ATP titles, the 2017 ATP Finals final, the 2019 Cincinnati Masters final, four Grand Slam quarter-finals and 21 wins over top-10 opponents — including victories over Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz.