Van Rijthoven, a feat without a future?
2 years ago, Tim Van Rijthoven created a sensation by winning the 2022 edition of the ATP 250 at 'S-Hertogenbosch. Then aged 25 and ranked 205th in the world, the Dutchman, invited by the organizers, won the title by beating Taylor Fritz in the 2nd round, Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals and Daniil Medvedev in the final.
He confirmed this two weeks later by reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon. Against Novak Djokovic, he managed to take a set off the three-time title-holder (6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2). Since then, however, there's been little or nothing.
Handicapped by back pain for the rest of the 2022 season, Van Rijthoven also paid the price for the lack of points awarded at Wimbledon that season (following the ban on Russians and Belarusians from competing).
A lack of points prevented him from breaking into the Top 100 of the ATP rankings, thus hindering his entry into more important tournaments and his progress. While he should have climbed to around 70th in the world, he was 101st at best. He did manage to reach the second round of the US Open 2022 in September.
But the Dutchman was unable to build on his success in 2023. He was once again hampered by repeated injuries, as he had been every season (apart from 2022) since he was 18. He was only able to play in 3 tournaments and one Davis Cup match. And he couldn't even attempt to defend his title at 'S-Hertogenbosch.
In 2024, the situation was even worse. He hadn't played a single professional match since the beginning of the year before the organizers of 'S-Hertogenbosch awarded him a wild card to enter the final draw. But, lacking rhythm, he lost in the first round to Zizou Bergs (6-4, 6-3) on Tuesday.
At 27, time is running out for the Roosendaal native. But unless injuries finally leave him alone, it's hard to see how he could ever return to the forefront of the game.
His title on the grass of 'S-Hertogenbosch may well be the only result to match his undeniable talent and potential. Unless he achieves a new feat at a time when he is no longer expected.
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