This weekend everything will revolve around the battle for the national title in the Men’s Eredivisie at the TC Suthwalda tennis park. Four top teams compete in Zuidwolde for the national championship, with home club Suthwalda playing the leading role as the reigning national champions.
A lot of work has been done behind the scenes to make the event more than just a sports weekend. There was already a bingo evening, a pub quiz and a padel tournament. “The pressure, the tension and, above all, a lot of organizing,” Suthwalda chairman Patrick Dekker summarizes the days leading up to the play-offs. “To make everything a top event.”
Dekker sees the fact that the finals are being played in Zuidwolde as a major advantage. Not only sportingly, but also for the region. “It is always an advantage to play in front of your own audience. But it is also very nice for the club and for Drenthe to bring top tennis to Zuidwolde. That you can see these top players in action so close.”
According to Dekker, the level of the Men’s Eredivisie has been rising for years. Teams are bringing in stronger and stronger players and Suthwalda – national champion four times in the last five years – also has big names. Doubles specialist Sem Verbeek is part of the selection. He won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon last year.
“We simply have world-class players in our team,” says Dekker proudly. “The level is really getting higher. Nowadays they are even attracting foreigners who are among the first 200 in the world.”
The club from Zuidwolde has been able to keep a close-knit selection together for years. According to Dekker, the strength lies mainly in the atmosphere surrounding the association. “I think the down-to-earthness of the Drenthe people helps. The fun, but especially the connection with the club. We organize everything together. The players really want to play for Suthwalda.”
For tennis enthusiasts, the weekend offers a rare opportunity to see the national top level up close. The matches start today at 12 noon and admission is free. Additional stands have been placed in the park to receive the public.
And the circumstances also cooperate. “We have beautiful weather,” laughs Dekker. “That’s all right.”
