Belgian tennis celebrates a new hero

Fernando Murciego | 24 Sep 2025 | 18.33

Raphael Collignon after his feat at the Davis Cup. Source: Getty

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The tennis circuit is constantly renewed with the emergence of faces in the elite circle. Raphael Collingnon, currently ranked No. 93 in the world, is one of the rackets that have caught attention lately, a man who is enjoying his best moment after defeating Casper Ruud in the last US Open and leading Belgium in the Davis Cup to secure an epic away victory against Australia. At 23 years old, the Belgian's breakout is already an unstoppable reality, although there are still many who are unaware of his story.

In an interview with Eurosport France, we can hear him sharing the emotions he still carries from these past weeks, the highlight so far of a career accustomed to Challengers and the early stages of major tournaments. Now his profile has changed, his tennis is beginning to be feared, and in Belgium – even though he was born in Minnesota, USA – they are eagerly waiting for a player who, along with the Bergs, Goffin, and Blockx, can form a team where experience and youth lead them to the dream of lifting a Davis Cup. These are some statements from Raphael Collignon from the peak of the wave.

The aftermath of an outstanding Davis Cup

"I have already returned to training, focusing on upcoming goals such as staying within the top 100 to qualify directly for the main draw of the Australian Open, so I haven't had much time to come back down to earth. I'm still responding to some media requests, the topic is still being discussed. Perhaps now I begin to notice that I am more recognized in my country; occasionally, people even ask for photos, which is very nice."

Continuous growth in ranking

"I have always progressed, every season. I started on the professional circuit in 2021, where I finished #980 in the ranking. In 2022, I had a great year, moving up to #280. In 2023, I played very well in the first six months, entered the top 200, and made my first qualifications for Grand Slam tournaments. Unfortunately, I broke my arm in the Wimbledon qualifying round, then tried to come back three months later and fractured my foot. I didn't play much for six months, slowed down a bit, until finally last year, I ended up at #120. I believe I have been evolving well each season."

Defeating Ruud at the US Open

"That match did me a lot of good, it showed me that I am capable of producing great tennis, something I had been doing in practice but struggled to translate into matches; I couldn't handle the pressure. Between the points and the tournaments... I didn't show what I was capable of. That match allowed me to realize what I can do when I let go. Having a landmark victory in a Grand Slam, against a player who was formerly No. 2 in the world and now is No. 12, is very important to me."

Defeating De Minaur in the Davis Cup

"After that match, my mind was thinking that anything could happen, even being in a worse position in the ranking or not being the favorite, but we have the tennis to compete with other guys. The Ruud match allowed me to believe a little more in my chances. Against Alex (De Minaur), it was a very physical match, very baseline-oriented; he is not among the top ten in the world by chance. I won the first set in an hour and a half, which was crucial for my confidence, although later I had cramps in the third set, but I gave it my all. I had to keep pushing, not let him play, otherwise, I would be done. It was a splendid victory, the most beautiful one I've had, for sure."

Steve Darcis, captain and coach

"We have been working together for five years; we paused in 2020 because the Federation hired him, but he has been training me since I was very young. I was fortunate that the Federation made him available, as someone at his level and with his experience is very hard to find. With him, I entered the top 100, and while I may not have been the quickest, I also don't think it took me too long. Part of all this is thanks to him. He sets very high expectations; when he speaks, I can only wish to listen."

The newcomer's excitement

"Still like a little child, I am still discovering things. I made my first Grand Slam main draws not long ago, my first wins in the Davis Cup; I am having new experiences, so I can't pretend. Obviously, I have stars in my eyes every time I discover a new place at the Grand Slams, something I had always seen through the screen. Being in those locker rooms now is incredible, no matter how good you become, that feeling will always be there. It's crazy for me to be there; I love it, I can't hide it. I am gradually learning to handle it; you are obligated, you can't always be like a child; you must focus on your work."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El tenis belga celebra un nuevo héroe