Unexpected luck: how Zizu Bergs filled his pocket with $83 000 thanks to an opponent's tactical move

Belgian tennis player Zizou Bergs received a sudden financial bonus at the 2024 US Open. Instead of fighting for a spot in the third round on the court, he advanced due to his opponent’s withdrawal. This unexpected situation turned an empty day into a money rain – the athlete received an additional $83,000 without even picking up a racket.

When a withdrawal becomes another’s luck

Fifth-ranked in the world, Jack Draper, who was set to face Zizou Bergs in the second round, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a hand injury. This meant an automatic third-round entry for the Belgian. Bergs, ranked 48th, instead of the expected $154,000 for reaching the second round, will now receive at least $237,000 for the third round. The difference – exactly the $83,000 that fell into his pocket without a single point played.

This was the first case of a withdrawal from the men’s singles in this year’s tournament, although overall, the men’s event faced two such withdrawals during matches.

A new milestone in the young Belgian’s career

For 26-year-old Zizou Bergs, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam is a rare achievement. It’s only the second time in his career he has advanced that deep into a tournament. Last year, he reached the third round at Roland Garros. Before this championship, his total career earnings were approximately $2.3 million, with an annual income of $850,786.

If Bergs continues to fight and wins his next match against the 31st seed, Gabriel Diallo or Jaume Munar, his prize will be $400,000. Each round at a Grand Slam is an exponential increase in earnings for a player at his level.

Why Grand Slam tournaments are a lifeline for players outside the top 10

Major tournaments play a critical role in the economics of professional tennis. As former top-50 player Maximilian Marterer points out, these championships give players outside the elite a chance to earn significant sums in a short period. “It provides players with financial security to cover coaching fees, flights, and other expenses,” he explains to Sportico. For players like Bergs, each round passed is a chance to secure their future for months ahead.

Record prize money in tennis history

The 2024 US Open made a historic achievement, becoming the first tennis tournament to reach a total prize fund of $90 million. This is a significant jump in the tournament’s investment in athletes. The winners of the men’s and women’s singles each receive $5 million – 39% more than in 2023, when Yannick Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka split a prize of $3.6 million each.

Legend’s perspective: Djokovic on fairness in tennis

Novak Djokovic, head of the ATP and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, noted that increasing the prize fund is the right step. After defeating American Zachary Swaid in four sets, Djokovic commented before the tournament: “This is a move in the right direction. Everyone is always happy to see Grand Slam tournaments willing to increase compensation for all participants.”

However, the legendary Serbian tennis player does not consider the situation perfect. “I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement,” Djokovic stated. He emphasized that Grand Slam tournaments operate in a highly commercial sector and generate record revenues. “But it’s important to remember inflation and rising costs for athletes. Overall, it’s definitely a positive sign, but there’s still work to be done,” he summarized.

Zizou Bergs’ story is not just a lucky coincidence. It reflects how big tennis is evolving, trying to support athletes at all ranking levels, although critics say there’s still a long road ahead.