Present last week at the European Open in Brussels, the man who was ATP Supervisor of the Challengers for 25 years reopened his box of memories.
Mr. Willems, how did you get into tennis?
I started at the Astrid Bowl (Editor’s note: international tournament for juniors) in Charleroi. I was an English professor at Labor University and was interested in this event. In 1975, I worked at the tournament table, in 76, as an assistant referee and as a referee from 77. Since then, I have not missed a single edition.
At this tournament you saw, in particular, future stars like Capriati, Azarenka, Federer, Henin, Clijsters and Kuerten. Who impressed you the most ?
I saw twelve future ATP and WTA number 1s pass through Charleroi : five men and seven ladies. We had Roger Federer in 1998, he played doubles with Olivier Rochus. In singles, he did not win. The Swiss lost in the quarterfinals. He was strong, but you couldn’t predict such a career. We had Marcelo Rios. I had no idea that he was going to become world number 1. Just like Thomas Muster.
I showed Leo Borg a photo from 1982 with his dad in Antwerp.
Kim and Justine, did they ever have something special ?
Yes, we knew they were very strong. For these two, there was a feeling that something was going to happen. But perhaps not as great as what they offered to Belgian sport. It’s impossible to predict.
In recent years, have you seen players with high potential come through? ?
The transition from juniors to the pro circuit is not easy. You can fall under the spell of a junior who then doesn’t break through. In 2022, I came across a player with great potential : João Fonseca. The Brazilian is now tipped as a future ATP star. Here, in Brussels, we talked together about the Astrid Bowl. He remembered who he had lost to.
Michel Willems at work at the Rosmalen tournament.” class=”absolute inset-0 w-full”/>Can you talk about your journey? ?
I was certified as a referee in 1983, silver badge in 1987, and gold badge in 1993. I officiated my first Davis Cup in 1987 and I made three Fed Cups. In total, I worked on 43 Davis Cup matches. I was a referee this year for Tunisia – Ukraine and Sweden – Tunisia. During this last match, I showed the player Leo Borg a photo from 1982 with his dad, Björn, during the first edition of the ECC in Antwerp.
Do you have a favorite player ?
I really liked Stefan Edberg. Because of his touch on the ball. John McEnroe also had an extraordinary hand. And then Justine and Kim. Among the Belgians, I also appreciated Xavier Malisse and Olivier Rochus.
Federer was strong but impossible to predict such a career.
The passion is always present ?
My life would be monotonous without tennis. If I’m still in good shape, it’s because I stayed active. I keep a positive and youthful attitude. And I don’t plan to stop in 2026. Tennis has evolved since I started but I still have just as much pleasure being a referee. It’s a passion. The rackets have changed, the balls have changed, the surfaces. And then, the physicality of the players too. Their potential has increased greatly.
What is the role of the referee in a tournament like that of Brussels? ?
With management, we have to ensure that everything is right in terms of logistics so that the matches go well. See if the grounds comply with the regulations, requirements, lighting. With the supervisor, it’s helping with game calling, ensuring that players are on time to start their match, etc.
Steve Darcis explains what he wants to put in place to help Raphaël Collignon progress.
What is the role of the supervisor?
He has final responsibility for the draw and scheduling of matches. The latter is done with the tournament management and the ATP Tour Manager. He also manages the appointment of chair umpires and any problems that may arise. : a medical time-out, a withdrawal, a disagreement which could occur between the player and the referee concerning the application of a rule.
And the referee, he referees ?
He makes decisions for the application of the rules of the game. If the player contests a decision, this rarely happens because the players know that the referees are professionals and know the rules well, the supervisor intervenes as a last resort.
