First-Time Winner Spotlight: Tim Van Rijthoven

Dutch wild card Tim Van Rijthoven shocked top seed Daniil Medvedev to end his fairytale week in style Sunday, capturing his maiden ATP Tour title at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Competing in just his second tour-level event, the 25-year-old produced a series of stunning wins to become the lowest-ranked ATP Tour champion of 2022. Following his dream run, Van Rijthoven, who is up to No. 106 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, spoke to ATPTour.com.

What does it mean to you to win your first ATP Tour title?
To win an ATP Tour title means a lot to me. But to win it at home means the world to me. The support has been incredible here. The crowd has been amazing and it is a great achievement for me.

Did you feel that this was possible before you arrived here?

I never thought I would win the tournament. I wanted to maybe upset one player. But to upset a couple of players and win the title is just incredible.

Could you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key figures in your life and career who have helped you to reach this milestone?
There are a lot of coaches in the past who would know I mean them. My girlfriend. My parents are just incredibly supportive all the team. The Dutch Federation have always believed in me and stayed with me in the tough times.

How would you describe yourself as a player, and how would you describe yourself off the court?
Very humble and relaxed guy off the court. And actually a very humble guy on the court. Playing style, I am a very aggressive player. Big forehand, I like to go forward and dictate the points.

How do you feel about Dutch tennis at the moment? Has what Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp have done breaking into the Top 100 had an impact on other players?
I think Dutch tennis is in a pretty good spot right now. We have one Top 30 player [van de Zandschulp] and a Top 60 player, which is Tallon. Hopefully I will break the Top 100 soon, so will have three players in the Top 100. For a small country like the Netherlands that is a good amount. Botic and Tallon paved the way.

How did you make it through the difficult challenges in the past, having suffered some injuries?
I made it through by having the right people around me. The Dutch Federation kept believing in me and supporting me in all the ways they could. My mother was always there to support me. I am here now with an ATP Tour title, so I am very glad that I went through it all.

What is your next goal?
To win another title! To break the Top 100 would be a good achievement.

What do you consider to be your biggest passion outside of tennis and can you tell us a little bit about that interest?
I love golf. I am addicted to golf. I am following Casper’s Instagram golf page. I was thinking about playing some holes tonight!

You’ve said before your dream job is restaurant owner. What kind of restaurant would it be and why?
If I had to choose a restaurant I would probably choose a noodle restaurant because I love noodles.

Your favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders…but which Peaky Blinders character do you think you are most like?
Tommy Shelby is my guy.

This is a milestone moment in your career. How will you celebrate this victory?
With my family and friends. We are going to have a nice drink, some good food and really enjoy and take in all the emotions of the week and enjoy it a lot.