Taylor Fritz is recognized as one of the top grass court players on the ATP Tour, having won two ATP 250 grass court titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne before making his first Wimbledon semi-final this year. However, Fritz’s dominance on grass was once challenged by Dutch wildcard Tim van Rijthoven, who recently announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 28 due to a persistent elbow injury.

Van Rijthoven burst onto the scene during the 2022 grass court season, making headlines after never having won an ATP Tour match before. Ranked 205th globally at the time, he entered his home tournament in Hertogenbosch with a wildcard and quickly made an impact. He secured his first ATP Tour victory against Matthew Ebden and then shocked the tennis world by defeating highly ranked opponents including Taylor Fritz, Hugo Gaston, and Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the tournament final.

Completing an extraordinary week, Van Rijthoven clinched his first ATP title by overcoming Daniil Medvedev, becoming the first Dutch male player to win the Libéma Open in 19 years. This breakthrough performance earned him a Wimbledon wildcard, where he advanced to the fourth round in his debut Grand Slam main draw before falling to top seed Novak Djokovic.

Following this remarkable summer, Van Rijthoven’s career was hampered by an elbow injury, limiting him to only 11 matches since the end of the 2022 season. His last competitive appearance came in a Roland Garros qualifying match before he revealed his decision to retire in a heartfelt Instagram statement.

Dear all. With a heavy heart, I have to share something today that I have been trying to process for a long time: My professional tennis career is forced to end,

announced the 28-year-old.

He explained that despite extensive rehabilitation and medical treatment, the stubborn elbow injury persisted and forced him to say goodbye to tennis, the sport that has been central to his life for years.

I would have liked to see it differently. I would have liked to say goodbye on my own terms, with a racket in hand and the audience in the stands. But sometimes the body decides differently than the head.

Reflecting on his journey, Van Rijthoven expressed immense pride and gratitude for the memories he created, from childhood dreams to winning the Libéma Open in front of his home crowd in Rosmalen and playing against Novak Djokovic on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

Yet I look back with an incredible amount of pride and gratitude. From a little boy in mama’s arms with big dreams to this. Winning the Libéma Open in 2022, my first ATP title, in front of my own audience in Rosmalen – will forever be one of the best moments of my life.

And of course the fourth round at Wimbledon, where I got the opportunity to compete against a living legend: Novak Djokovic on Centre Court. The fact that I was allowed on that stage is something no one will ever take away from me.

He also extended thanks to the people who supported him throughout his career.

I want to thank everyone who supported me on this journey: my family, team, coaches, physios, sponsors and fans. I don’t know exactly what will happen next, but I do know that my heart will always stay with tennis. See you soon – maybe along the track maybe not. Who knows. With sporty regards, Tim.

Novak Djokovic’s respect for Van Rijthoven’s grass court abilities

Van Rijthoven’s matches, particularly against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, revealed his strong capability on grass courts. Although Djokovic defeated him, Van Rijthoven managed to take a set off the then Wimbledon champion, demonstrating his competitive level.

In the post-match press conference, Djokovic praised Van Rijthoven’s performance and grass court skills.

I knew coming into the match that it was always going to be a tough, challenging matchup against Tim, who I’ve never faced before,

Djokovic remarked.

I watched him play. He’s got a really good game for grass, which he proved today. Was a very good fight, especially in the first two sets.

Djokovic described how he adapted his strategy during the match.

But overall I think I’ve played very well, very solid from back of the court. I got into his service rhythm, started reading his serve better in the third and fourth sets.

He concluded by acknowledging the intensity of the contest.

I just really am pleased with the way I closed out the match. I lost the rhythm on my serve a little bit towards the end of the match, but overall just a good fight and really challenging match for me on grass.

Van Rijthoven’s legacy and impact on tennis

Tim van Rijthoven’s brief but memorable rise to prominence inspired many tennis fans, especially in the Netherlands. His remarkable performance on grass courts, highlighted by his victory over Taylor Fritz and his home tournament win, showcased determination and passion that resonated widely. His retirement at 28, while early, reflects the physical toll professional tennis can take on athletes.

Van Rijthoven’s gratitude for his experiences and supporters signals a hopeful outlook despite ending his playing career. His name will be remembered, particularly for momentarily disrupting dominant players during the 2022 grass court season and for his spirited matches against top opponents like Novak Djokovic. Looking ahead, his connection to the sport may continue in new roles beyond competition, contributing to tennis in different capacities.