Tim van Rijthoven could hardly believe on Saturday just after his victory over the Canadian top player Félix Auger-Aliassime that he has reached the final of the grass tournament in Rosmalen. The revelation is the first Dutchman in a final of the ATP tournament since Raemon Sluiter in 2009.
“That I received a wild card was already a surprise. I hoped to be able to play one or two matches and now I am in the final. Unbelievable, I have no words for it,” said 25-year-old Van Rijthoven after his victory over Auger -Aliassim, the number nine in the world.
Van Rijthoven, who had not yet won a competition at the highest level until this edition of the Libéma Open, is success in Rosmalen. He previously stunted in North Brabant against top hundred players Taylor Fritz (ATP-14) and Hugo Gaston (ATP-66).
Despite the success, Van Rijthoven remains calm, while the public showed themselves en masse for the home favorite during and after the match. “I’m not the person who celebrates his points very lavishly on track, luckily that was done for me,” he said.
Tim van Rijthoven visibly enjoyed the home crowd.
Tim van Rijthoven visibly enjoyed the home crowd. Photo: AP
Van Rijthoven first Dutch finalist since 2009
With the final spot, Van Rijthoven follows in the footsteps of Botic van de Zandschulp, who became the fourteenth Dutchman ever in the final battle of an ATP tournament at the BMW Open in Munich at the beginning of May. Raemon Sluiter was the last Dutch finalist at the Libéma Open in 2009.
“It means a lot to me that I follow in Raemon’s footsteps”, Van Rijtbergen responded. “I also know him personally and maybe I can measure myself a little better with him now. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
In the final, Van Rijthoven needs a new stunt on Sunday to win the tournament in North Brabant. He will compete against Daniil Medvedev, the number two in the world. The final starts at 2.30 pm.