Tim Van Rijthoven completed a dream week at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch on Sunday, when the World No. 205 raced to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev to clinch a maiden ATP Tour title.
The Dutch wild card was playing in a maiden championship match on just his second appearance in a tour-level main draw. Speaking after the match he did not quite know what to say:
“This is new for me, it’s going to take some time getting used to. What a dream this week. I would like to thank my team for staying humble this week, doing the normal things, not making this thing any bigger than it was. I would like to thank all of you. Your support was incredible this week.”
He further added:
“I’d like to show huge respect to Daniil. You’re a great player, I’ve watched you on TV many times, and now to play you myself, that was already a dream. Playing against you was amazing and it was an honour to share the court with you, and you are for sure going to win many more titles. I’ll see you hopefully in the future many more times on the court.”
Van Rijthoven’s run in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is set to propel the Dutchman up 99 places to a career-high No. 106 on Monday.