Status: ATP No. 75.
DOB: August 18, 1987 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tennis Inspiration: “Well, I have to say Richard Krajicek is a big inspiration, probably the best Dutchman to ever play the game, and I watched him a lot.”
Last Book Read: “I’m embarrassed [smiles]…it’s probably Andre Agassi’s biography.”
First Tennis Memory: “My father (Jan) and mother (Jelena) took me to court and I was hitting double-handed homeruns [smiles]. I was three years old.”
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “Basketball.”
Current Car: “No car. Bicycle.”
First Famous Tennis Player You Met Or Encountered: “It was probably Richard also, because he was practicing at the club where I was practicing.”
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: “Dennis Bergkamp before. Michael Jordan before. And I’d have to say LeBron James.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Chocolate fudge.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Oh, tough question…First time to qualify for Wimbledon (2011) was very special. Because I always had a dream of playing at Wimbledon. And when I qualified it was a big achievement.”
Most Painful Moment: “Losing a couple of tough matches. I can’t remember which ones. But I know there were a couple of painful ones.”
Favorite Tournament: “Wimbledon.”
Funniest Players Encountered: “I only think Freddie Nielsen is funny [smiles].”
Fiercesest Competitor Encountered: “Well, this year and last year I played Tommy Haas four times and I haven’t beaten him so he’s tough.”
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “If you’re in front and you lose that’s always tough and a little embarrassing.”
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “Well, I love playing sports. I’ve always loved playing sports. My family took me to the court and I realized I got better at the game. I just love being out on the court and competing.”
Funny Tennis Memory: “You ask tough questions [chuckles]…I remember at the Australian Open a bird got killed during the match.”
Stangest Match: “In Korea it was very cold, zero degrees and playing outdoors. (How did you do?) I made finals.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Humble. Interested. And loving.”
"It was zero degrees in Korea."
Scoop Malinowski · September 24, 2013 at 2:59 pm
This is one of those outsider players I just have a feeling about, that he will soon emerge and become a force in ATP. He reminds me of Stepanek.
Dan Markowitz · September 24, 2013 at 4:32 pm
I like his game. Saw him lose to Russell at Newport, but he comes in and I believe he has a one hander. Interesting responses, doesn’t own a car (only a Dutchman would say that) and qualities he admires–“loving.” I bet those two responses have never been heard before in a Bio-file.