Wesley Koolhof, who will retire after the Davis Cup final: "It was an incredible adventure".

Adrien Guyot

le 24/11/2024 à 09h53

2 min to read

Koolhof

This Sunday, the Netherlands take on Italy in the Davis Cup Final. This is the first time in their history that the Dutch have reached the final.

It will be a special moment for an entire country, but particularly for Wesley Koolhof. An excellent doubles player, the 35-year-old has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

After qualifying for the final at Germany's expense, Koolhof gave an on-court interview: "I know when it's time to stop.

It's been a fantastic adventure with the team. I decided at the end of last year that 2024 would be my last season.

Mainly because I thought there was something special and that we could go far and do better than the quarter-finals of the last two years.

I'm very proud of everyone involved in the team," he began.

Wesley Koolhof looks back on the highlights of his career

"What happened three days ago in the decisive double against Spain is one of the highlights of my career.

We beat Marcel Granollers and Carlos Alcaraz. I'm glad I didn't have to play today (Friday against Germany).

The last fifteen, twenty years devoted to tennis have been incredible. I've always played with passion. Of course, winning Wimbledon last year is one of my best memories."

Asked whether he thought he'd achieve so much in his career, the former world number 1 doubles player was unsure: "I dreamed about it, but I wasn't sure I could.

Of course, I tried my luck in singles first. I reached an incredible ranking of 462nd in the world. Then I played doubles.

I never thought I'd be world number 1 for 34 weeks. I won six Masters 1000, a Grand Slam in doubles, another in mixed doubles. And of course, the ATP Finals four years ago."

The Netherlands are still in the Davis Cup running, and Wesley Koolhof is hoping to end his career with a title: "I'm not finished yet.

There are still a few days to go. I hope we can do something great here in Malaga. It's been an incredible adventure.

I wasn't expecting it. I hope I can add the Davis Cup to my list of honours. That would be fabulous," he concluded.

Wesley Koolhof was active from 2009 to 2024 and will retire from the limelight regardless of the outcome of the final against Italy.