David Goffin’s stellar singles career has come to an end.
Goffin, a former finalist at the ATP Finals and a winner of six ATP titles, extended his career in emphatic fashion by beating Swiss lucky loser Remy Bertola 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday.
Alex Michelsen brought the curtain down on Goffin’s career on Thursday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory on Centre Court.
Goffin, also a former world number eight, cut an emotional figure during his post-match speech in the Belgian capital.
David Goffin’s final speech before retirement
“It’s not easy,” the teary-eyed Belgian admitted during his post-match remarks, translated from French. “First of all, I want to say thank you for all these videos, and to all the people my friends, my family, my opponents—who appeared in them.
“I want to thank them all; the messages are truly wonderful. And looking back at all these images, I realise that… it all went by so fast. When I watch these points again, it feels like it was just yesterday. I remember everything—the sensations, the court, all those moments. And now, here we are, at the end.
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“Throughout my career, I believe I always tried to give the very best of myself. I believe I tried to …to progress, to give everything I had to try to reach the highest level possible, and to become a better tennis player and a better person throughout all these years. And now, it’s clear that one chapter is coming to a close, but another is beginning.
“Of course, none of this would have been possible without a great many people. First and foremost, my parents—who are here today—have supported me from the very start. They introduced me to tennis, instilled a passion for the sport in me, and inspired me to keep going, to improve, and to give the best of myself.
“They provided me with the best tools, the right upbringing, and, above all, the ambition to aim as high as I possibly could. So, to begin with, thank you to them for introducing me to this world.
Goffin went on to thank his family and his team, focusing in particular on the sacrifices his wife Stephanie has made throughout his journey on the professional circuit.
“She had to adapt and make sacrifices so that I could make a living from my passion, and so that we could spend those 17 or 18 years on the professional tour together; she experienced almost everything alongside me,” Goffin noted.
“I also want to thank all my training partners, opponents, roommates, and teammates from the Davis Cup,” he later added. “We’ve been through it all together. Thank you for pushing me during training and for making me a better player over all these years. Thank you, too, for your support and for sharing all those moments on the court—whether in the Davis Cup, at various tournaments, or anywhere else. Seeing you all here today—it truly makes me so happy to have you by the court. So, thank you.”
Goffin achieved a great deal while representing his nation at the Davis Cup, including leading Belgium to two finals in 2015 and 2017.
“And finally, thank you to you, the public—all of you who have been there throughout these years, ever since the beginning—from that first day back in 2012 when I was first introduced to the wider public at Roland-Garros, all the way to where we find ourselves now, in 2026,” the Belgian continued.
“You have been incredible throughout all these years; the support I’ve received has been extraordinary. We’ve shared some truly amazing experiences—and even this week, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to finish: in front of you, with an atmosphere like this, here in Brussels, Belgium. So, thank you so much—thank you for all these years; you have been incredible.
David Goffin’s best results at all four Grand Slam events
- Australian Open: Quarter-finals [2017]
- Roland Garros: Quarter-finals [2016]
- Wimbledon: Quarter-finals [2019, 2022]
- US Open: Fourth round [2017 to 2020]
“And finally, thank you to everyone I haven’t been able to mention—or simply didn’t have the time to—who played an important role in my career. I’m thinking of everyone who has worked with me: Yannis [Demeroutis – Goffin’s coach], who is still by my side today; Eric, in my player box; and everyone else—Damien, Fab, Tib, my family, my friends—you have all played a significant part in my journey.
“It has been a wonderful path, a magnificent career; I’ve savored every moment. Now, it’s simply time to move on to the next chapter and pass the torch to the new generation of Belgian tennis players. I’m confident you’ll continue to support them, as there is plenty of great talent coming up—in fact, Zizou [Bergs] will be stepping onto the court very soon! Thank you, everyone. I won’t say “see you next year,” but I will say: see you very soon.”
Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet send messages to David Goffin
Prior to Goffin’s post-match speech, a poignant video was broadcast on the big screen inside the Brussels stadium.
During the video, a number of high-profile tennis players congratulated Goffin on his career.
“Hello David, how are you doing man? I just want to congratulate you on your amazing career,” Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and one of the greatest players in tennis history, said. “It’s been a huge pleasure to share practices, matches. Great moments together on the Tour.
“David, this video is meant to congratulate you on your amazing career,” Richard Gasquet, one of the finest French players of the 21st century, also stated. “It was an honor to be by your side. You were an incredible person and an exceptional player.”
“David, it’s obviously a shame you’re going to retire, but you were great for our country and a hell of a tennis player,” Belgian world number 41 Zizou Bergs added.
“And actually, because of you, I got quite of a backhand, so thanks for being a big man in our small country.”
Goffin’s singles career may have come to a conclusion, but he has not played his final professional match.
The Belgian is due to play alongside compatriot Raphael Collignon in doubles later on Thursday.
Goffin and Collignon will play Constantin Frantzen and Robert Galloway.
