Zizou Bergs

Zizou Bergs Biography

Zizou Bergs is a Belgian professional tennis player known for his dynamic playing style characterized by explosive footwork and fearless baseline play. Born on June 3, 1999, Bergs has rapidly risen in the ATP ranks, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 44 as of September 29, 2025. He is recognized globally for his breakthrough performances on the ATP Tour, including notable victories against top-ranked players and a strong presence in Challenger tournaments. His charisma off the court also contributes to his growing popularity among tennis fans worldwide.

Childhood

Zizou Bergs was born in Lommel, Belgium. From an early age, he was introduced to tennis by his father, Koen Bergs, who coached him starting at age three. His father, a key influence in his life, nicknamed him "Zizou" after the famed French footballer Zinedine Zidane. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Zizou was the younger of two siblings and often honed his skills by practicing tirelessly, building the mental toughness and dedication that would become hallmarks of his competitive approach.

Education

Bergs received formal tennis training at several esteemed institutions, beginning at local clubs in Lommel and later progressing to the Life Tennis Academy in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. At age 15, he joined the Flemish Tennis Federation's training center, which played a crucial role in his development as a professional athlete. This structured education combined physical training with the mental and strategic aspects of the sport, preparing him comprehensively for the challenges of the professional circuit.

Career

Zizou Bergs turned professional in 2018 and quickly made his mark by winning multiple ATP Challenger titles, including victories in Saint Petersburg, Lille, and Almaty in 2021. He made his ATP main draw debut in 2020 and recorded his first ATP-level win against Albert Ramos Viñolas. Bergs continued to build momentum with successes such as winning the Ilkley Trophy in 2022 and making his Grand Slam main draw debut at Wimbledon the same year. In 2025, he reached his first ATP singles final in Auckland and achieved a landmark victory against World No. 7 Andrey Rublev at the Miami Masters, cementing his status as Belgium’s No. 1 player.

Family Life

Zizou Bergs is in a relationship with Jirth Maesen, who is also his social media strategist. The couple shares a strong partnership both personally and professionally, with Maesen managing Bergs' brand presence on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The couple does not have children. Bergs frequently credits his father, Koen Bergs, as his biggest supporter and coach, highlighting the critical role his family has played in his ongoing success and mental resilience.

Achievements

Bergs boasts eight ATP Challenger titles to his name, with major wins spanning several years, reflecting consistent progress. His highest ATP singles ranking is No. 44, achieved in September 2025. He has reached one ATP final and has recorded significant Grand Slam milestones, including advancing to the third round at Roland Garros in 2024. Bergs also achieved a notable victory over a top-10 player, Andrey Rublev, at the 2025 Miami Masters, marking a key highlight in his career trajectory.

Controversies

Zizou Bergs was involved in a controversial incident during a Davis Cup match against Chilean Cristian Garin in 2025, where a collision occurred after Bergs celebrated a key point, striking Garin accidentally. The incident sparked debate about sportsmanship and safety, with Garin refusing to continue the match, leading to sanctions and protests from the Chilean Tennis Federation. Bergs apologized, emphasizing that the collision was unintentional and an unfortunate accident, and the umpire ruled it as such without disqualification. This episode drew significant media attention and polarized opinions in the tennis community.

Zizou Bergs Summary

Zizou Bergs is a rising Belgian tennis star who has made remarkable strides in the professional tennis world through skill, determination, and resilience. From an early start under the guidance of his father to achieving a career-high top 50 ATP ranking and significant tournament successes, Bergs embodies a combination of talent and hard work. Despite facing controversies, he remains focused on his career and maintains a loyal fanbase both on and off the court, supported by his close-knit family and partner. His journey reflects a promising future for Belgian tennis on the global stage.