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After Belgium’s Zizou Bergs defeated Germany’s Maximilian Marterer to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, he immediately got the “party” started with an epic celebration with the fans on Thursday.

The 24-year-old’s second-round battle took place over nearly two-and-a-half hours on a lively Court 5, as Bergs had to rally after dropping the opening set against the more experienced lefty. He fired 55 winners including eight aces to complete the 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 comeback victory—marking yet another milestone amid a breakthrough week for the world No. 104.

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The qualifier paid tribute to the Parisian fans who helped him over the finish line after the win, calling out to them in French, “Where is the party?” and the crowd all responding as one, “Here is the party!”

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The Belgian has been enjoying a sense of home-field advantage in Paris this week, after winning over the famously fickle French public. The Blues (or Les Bleus in French) are no strangers to chanting “Zizou” after decades singing in support of national soccer hero Zinedine “Zizou” Zidane.

“Obviously it's thanks to the amazing Zinedine Zidane,” Bergs explained, when asked about the origins of his distinctive name during a post-match press conference. “My dad was a football player, and everybody (on his team) had a nickname, such 'Maradona' (after Diego Maradona), and his nickname was actually 'Zizou'...

“So my dad had this wonderful idea to name me Zizou.”

Being named after French soccer hero Zinedine "Zizou" Zidane is giving Bergs a sense of home-field advantage in Paris.

Being named after French soccer hero Zinedine "Zizou" Zidane is giving Bergs a sense of home-field advantage in Paris.

During a Roland Garros that has made headlines for rowdy fans and partisan crowds, sharing a name with a national sports legend has given Bergs a sympathetic edge with fans. Zidane retired back in 2006, but not before delivering France the 1998 World Cup trophy and 2000 European Championship crown—meaning it’s been decades since the French faithful have been able to chant for “Zizou” at a stadium.

Bergs has definitely welcomed the boost, as he faced a major challenge in the first round against No. 24 seed Alejandro Tabilo. He came back to defeat the Chilean 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2, recording not just his best win by ranking but also his long-awaited first victory in the main draw of a Grand Slam. He backed it up with another against Marterer, and will face No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov for a spot in the fourth round.

The Belgian will be counting on Les Bleus to once again throw a few Allez! his way on Friday.

“Now, every time I come back to France for a Challenger tournament or anything, people are just a little nicer to me because of my name,” Bergs said. “That's really great.”

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