David Goffin Triumphs Over Martin Landaluce in Gstaad Opener

In an impressive return to clay-court action, Belgian tennis player David Goffin defeated Spain's Martin Landaluce in the opening round of the EFG Swiss Open in Gstaad on July 15, 2025. Goffin, who had been sidelined for two months due to a foot injury, showcased his resilience by winning the match with a score of 7-6(2), 6-3. The match took place under challenging windy conditions at the ATP 250 event, highlighting Goffin's adaptability and skill.

Goffin, 34, expressed his elation at returning to competitive play after a prolonged injury hiatus. "It feels great to be back 10 years after my final here in Gstaad," Goffin said in a post-match interview. His previous appearance in the tournament was marked by a final match against Dominic Thiem in 2015, where he fell short of victory. He further remarked, "I’m very happy to win my first match after injury on a nice centre court with super nice landscape; it’s the best place to come back and win."

Martin Landaluce, a rising star on the ATP Tour, entered the match as part of the #NextGenATP initiative, designed to provide young talents with increased opportunities for competition. The 19-year-old Spaniard, currently ranked No. 138 in the PIF ATP Rankings, had previously secured his first tour-level win against Jaume Munar at the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami last year. Reflecting on his experience in Gstaad, Landaluce stated, "This program allows me to escalate in the rankings more easily because I can play tournaments that I wouldn’t be able to without this help. I’m very privileged and grateful to have this opportunity."

The match duration was approximately two hours, during which Goffin managed to convert his momentum during a crucial tiebreak in the first set. Despite facing seven break points, he maintained his composure, ultimately delivering a solid performance that secured his advancement to the next round. Goffin's next opponent will be Argentine player Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who previously defeated last year’s semi-finalist Jan-Lennard Struff in a closely contested match.

Other notable results from the tournament included victories by seventh seed Francisco Comesana and qualifier Francesco Passaro, who upset eighth seed Arthur Rinderknech. The Gstaad tournament continues to attract attention as it provides a platform for both established players and emerging talents. As Goffin aims to reclaim his previous form, the event stands as a critical juncture for players seeking to make their mark in the ATP rankings. The ongoing competition not only highlights individual athletic prowess but also reinforces the significance of initiatives like #NextGenATP in shaping the future of tennis on the global stage.