As the European Open begins in Antwerp, four top tennis stars took a break from training to explore the city’s famous diamond heritage. Players, including Alex de Minaur and Stefanos Tsitsipas, enjoyed a private tour of the DIVA museum, maintaining the historic connection between tennis and Antwerp’s diamond industry.

The era when Antwerp tennis champions received a gold racket studded with diamonds during the European Community Championship, also known as the Gold Racket, may be in the past, but its legacy endures. On Monday, four leading players participating in the European Open were treated to a tour of DIVA, Antwerp’s museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver. 

Among the attendees were Australia’s Alex de Minaur, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Belgium’s own Zizou Bergs. All were visibly impressed by the exhibits. 

“It’s always nice to learn something new,” said Bergs and Tsitsipas. “We saw different categories of diamonds and their colours. This is still the diamond capital of the world, after all.”

De Minaur also discussed his last-minute decision to join the tournament. “I was recently injured and decided to come at the last moment. I’m feeling good and hope to perform well.” The Australian, who last competed in the US Open quarterfinals against Jack Draper on 4 September, added, “It’s always a pleasure to play here. Mentally, I’m fresher because I haven’t played in recent weeks.”

Auger-Aliassime, who won the 2022 European Open, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s great to come back to a place where you’ve had success. Training went well this morning, and I’m ready for a strong tournament. The field is competitive, so winning won’t be easy.” ​ 

^{​#FlandersNewsService | A tennis racket during a tennis match in the qualification phase for the ATP European Open Tennis tournament in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}