STATS Perform/dpaBerlin Zizou Bergs earned a wildcard for Wimbledon and a Grand Slam main draw debut by beating Jack Sock in the Ilkley Trophy final on Sunday.Named after Zinedine Zidane - the France, Juventus and Real Madrid football great who goes by the nickname ‘Zizou’ - Belgian Bergs has established his sporting career in tennis.Bergs, 23, is ranked a lowly 207th by the ATP and had to come through qualifying to play in the Ilkley event, a Challenger Tour tournament in Yorkshire.Former world number eight Sock stood in his way in the final, but Bergs secured a 7-6 (9-7), 2-6, 7-6 (8-6) victory over the American.His father Koen Bergs wrote on Twitter: "Yesssssss. The tournament director announced during the ceremony the official reward of the WC for @Wimbledon main draw. History is made.” His triumphant son added on Instagram: "WIMBLEDON MAIN DRAW WILDCARD!! Whuuuutttt.” Bergs completes the list of men’s singles wildcards, featuring alongside five British players plus Dutchman Tim van Rijthoven and Swiss three-time grand slam winner Stan Wawrinka.Wimbledon begins on June 27 at the All England Club in south-west London.
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Zizou for Wimbledon! Belgian named after Zidane lands SW19 wildcard
Qatar Tribune
Jun 20, 2022
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