Zizou Bergs Gets Emotional Over Lost Family Member after Upset Win over World No. 9 Andrey Rublev

Zizou Bergs remembered his grandfather who died exactly on the same day in 2023.

Zizou Bergs defeated Andrey Rublev, the No 8 seed, 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the Miami Masters on Saturday. The victory made the Belgian tennis star emotional when he remembered his grandfather at Hard Rock Stadium.

The World No. 51 stunned Russian ace Andrey Rublev in straight sets and pulled off one of the upsets in the competition. Zizou Bergs, 25, Marked his first win against a top 10 player and a career milestone of reaching the third round at a Masters 1000 event.

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H2: Zizou Bergs remembers his Grandfather after first top 10 win!

After finishing the game in two sets, Zizou Bergs talked about his inspiration and shared what motivated him throughout the game. The 25-year-old remembered his grandfather who died exactly on the same day in 2023. He couldn’t even attend the funeral in person due to tennis commitments. His grandfather was also his biggest fan.

“Two years ago, I had just lost to Kokkinakis and when I arrived at the locker room, I received the news. It’s a very emotional day for me,” emotional Bergs shared his thoughts after the match.

“I really miss him, and I hope this is a good tribute to him,” Bergs shared post-match.

"It's a very emotional win for me." 😢

Amazing moment – and emotions – from @ZizouBergs at #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/2EbZ83b4mr
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 23, 2025

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say! It’s just a very emotional day for me. My grandfather died two years ago today. When I was playing Kokkinakis here. I lost 7-6 in the 3rd. Today… a top 10 win is just amazing,” he said, with tears consistently flowing through his eyes.“

H2: Bergs takes down Russian Ace Rublev in straight sets at 2025 Miami Open

Zizou Bergs entered the second round game after a 7-6 (2), 7-5 win against Portuguese Nuno Borges. The 25-year-old won the opening set 7-5 but Andrey Rublev rallied back and held a 2-4 lead in the second set.

The Belgian ace showcased determination against World No. 9 and won four consecutive games to finish the match in just 1 hour and 41 minutes. It was Rublev’s third straight defeat following his victory at the ATP 500 in Doha earlier this year.

“It’s frustrating,” Rublev opened up, reflecting on his recent struggles. “I need to regroup and find my rhythm again.”

H2: Who will Zizou Bergs face next?

Zizou Bergs will face Italian Matteo Berrettini, the No. 29 seed in the third round on Monday, March 24. Berrettini overcame the French ace Hugo Gaston 4-6, 5-3, 6-3.

Image Credit: Twitter

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.