Van Rijthoven, 2022 's-Hertogenbosch Champion, Retires at 28
Tim van Rijthoven made a name for himself with his surprising 2022 grass-court season, highlighted by a title in 's-Hertogenbosch and a run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Unfortunately for the Dutchman, he was never able to build on those strong results due to an elbow injury.
At 28, he has announced the end of his career. On his Instagram account, he shared: *"With a heavy heart, I have to share something today that I’ve been struggling with for a long time: my professional tennis career is forced to come to an end.
Due to a persistent elbow injury that, despite every rehab and medical effort, just won’t recover, I have to say goodbye to the sport that has been my entire life.
I wish it could have been different. I wish I could have said goodbye on my own terms, with a racket in hand and the crowd in the stands. But sometimes the body decides differently than the mind.
Still, I look back with incredible pride and gratitude.
From a little boy in his mother’s arms with big dreams, to winning the Libéma Open in 2022—my first ATP title—in front of the home crowd in Rosmalen… that will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life.
And of course, the fourth round at Wimbledon, where I had the chance to compete against a living legend: Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.
Getting to play on that court is something no one can ever take away from me.
I want to thank everyone who supported me on this journey: my family, my team, my coaches, my physios, my sponsors, and my fans.
I don’t know exactly what comes next, but I know my heart will always stay with tennis.
See you soon—maybe on the court, maybe not. Who knows? With sporting regards."*
