Zizou Bergs has issued an emotional statement after his son suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the Davis Cup. Bergs blew seven match points in a final set tiebreak against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Friday evening, sending Italy into the finals and eliminating Belgium from the team competition.

The world No. 43 – who was named after Zinedine Zidane – burst into tears on his bench after losing 6-3 6-7(5) 7-6(15), and was consoled by Cobolli. Had Bergs beaten Cobolli, the semi-final tie would have gone down to a decisive doubles rubber. The distraught Belgian ace later said: “I don’t think it gets more emotional than this.”

Bergs’ dad, Koen, who is a member of his team and the self-confessed “biggest fan” of his son, has now taken to social media to share a gutwrenching message to the 26-year-old after one of the toughest losses of his career.

“My dear son Zizou, Watching you step onto the court during the Davis Cup filled me with indescribable pride. You carried not only your racket, but the weight of a nation’s hopes, and you gave everything you had for Belgium. Every serve, every sprint, every drop of sweat was proof of your courage and your heart,” he wrote.

“You did not play just for yourself—you played for your teammates, for your country, and for all of us who believe in you. I saw the fire in your eyes, the determination in your movements, and the love for Belgium shining through every point.

“As your father, I know the sacrifices you made, the endless hours of training, and the moments of doubt you overcame. In the Davis Cup, you showed the world the true meaning of dedication. You gave everything, and that is the greatest victory of all.

“No matter the score, you have already won in my eyes. You are a champion of spirit, a warrior of heart, and a son who makes his father endlessly proud. We lost the tie but you won respect of the tennis world. Happy to have shared this beautiful moment with all my family at my side. These are the moments we live for. With all my love and admiration, Your dad.”

Although it was a brutal defeat for Bergs, the world No. 43 is hopeful that he can come to appreciate the match. Bergs himself saved six match points before he finally succumbed in an enthralling, 32-point tiebreak. Although he doesn’t have a close relationship with Cobolli, he believes the extraordinary match could bring them together.

The eight-time Challenger title winner said: “Are we going to talk about it? I don’t know. We have a lot of respect for each other, but we don’t really hang out on the tour. I’m also not there for such a long time. I’m just finding my place in there.

“But for sure we had, for me, a special tie last year in Bologna. For us both again this year a special tie. For sure, that creates, yeah, some kind of bond, as you say. Let’s see for the coming tournaments if we are going to play a few more. At least, even though it sucks to say today, they are really fun battles actually.”