This year’s US Open marks a new milestone for Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
For the first time in his career, the 25-year-old will be playing in the main draw in New York as a pro after securing direct entry. During his junior years, he enjoyed success in the boy’s doubles tournament by reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and then the quarter-finals 12 months later.
Bergs is currently experiencing a breakthrough season which has seen him crack the top 100 for the first time, peaking at a high of 73rd in the world (seven places below his current ranking). At the French Open, he claimed three wins in qualifying en route to reaching the third round which is his best performance at a major event so far.
Among those overseeing and supporting Bergs’ progression on the Tour is his father Koen who does a bit of everything in ‘TEAM ZIZOU.’ He takes care of the admin and financial tasks, supports his son’s agent when needed and also steps in as a coach. It is hard to fault his dedication to Berg’s career but what is it like to go from parent to coach?
“That is easy because when Zizou requests me to coach, we switch to the role of player and coach. This goes automatically and is logical,” Koen explains to Ubitennis.
“Nevertheless in the match when tension can go up, he will sometimes react differently to me than to his normal coaching staff. But I know Zizou very well and I can handle that.”
Koen explains that being a full-time mentor for Bergs would not work due to his ‘character and personality.’ Heading the team is coach Ruben Bemelmans who is a former top 100 player on the ATP Tour. Also part of the core team is Gert-Jan De Muynck (Coach and Psychologist), Kurt Jansen (Physical coach) and Thomas Deschamps (Physical coach). Bergs also works with Nicolas Dams (Physical coach and Physio Therapist), Hans Van Baarle (Osteopath), Sam Moustie (Doctor) and Karolien Rector (Nutrition). His agent is Juan Acuna from IMG.
“Every situation is unique and what does not work for us, can work for other combinations,” he said.
“The biggest challenge when I am coaching is finding the right balance between a supporting father and a demanding coach. Communication and having clear upfront agreements on how to work together is key.”
Bergs began playing tennis at the age of three with his father who were both influenced by his grandfather. He was a member of the LTA academy in Belgium before moving to the Flemish Federation’s training center at the age of 15. His first name comes from the nickname of French footballer Zinedine Zidane.
Like father, like son
Embed from Getty ImagesIf he is unable to attend tournaments, Koen tries to make sure he never misses a match on TV regardless of the time zone. He described himself as his son’s ‘biggest fan’ during an interview earlier this year.
“We have a very strong bond because we have the same character and personality,” he explains.
“Every team member of Zizou has his own character and strengths. Zizou and I are both very strong in getting the best out of each individual in a team. We do not need many words because we understand each other without many words.
“The fact that we are making all key decisions together, creates a joint responsibility for the success of his career.
“And whenever things are difficult and tough, I will be the first one that he contacts, to discuss and solve.”
There have also been challenges for the Belgian who adjusted his playing style at the end of last year following an injury. During a Challenger event in Switzerland, he tore a ligament in his left wrist and was presented with the option of having surgery which would have sidelined him from action for around six months. Unwilling to take such a long break, he instead took a month off for rehab, and then when he returned he only hit slices on his backhand side for the next three months. Sparking a big improvement in that area of Bergs’ game which was a silver lining.
Now a fixture in the top 100, all the hard work is finally starting to pay off.
“I am really proud of his achievements,” said Koen.
“This top 100 debut is absolutely a milestone for Zizou and his team. We never stopped believing in Zizou despite corona (COVID-19 pandemic) and injuries. And he proved us right.
“We are also very proud that he can represent his country in the Davis Cup and during the last Olympics. He is a real patriot and connects the country through his love for Belgium.”
The next goal
Embed from Getty ImagesFocus now switches to Flushing Meadows where Bergs will play Pavel Kotov in his opening match. The Russian has reached the quarter-finals of four ATP 250 events since January, including last week’s Winston-Salem Open. However, he hasn’t beaten a top 40 player since the first round of the French Open when he upset Cameron Norrie.
“For every match, we have a game plan based on Zizou’s strength and the analytic data of the opponent. He has switched well from clay to hard court after the Olympics and is ready for a strong US Open,” Koen commented on the upcoming match.
“We know Kotov well and there are no secrets. It is going to be a tough and close match but I strongly believe in Zizou’s winning chances.”
A couple of wins at the US Open would do wonders for Bergs’ next goal – cracking the top 50. The last Belgian man in the top 50 was David Goffin in April 2023.
“We are proud of his top 100 position and have more ambition. The team has created a plan on mental, tactical, technical and physical aspects to reach our next goal which is the top 50. When we can reach this, we are going to set new goals and plans. We are confident and trust the process.” Koen concluded.
Bergs’ first round match at the US Open is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. He is also playing in the doubles draw alongside Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan.
