Taylor Fritz's Former Grass-Court Conqueror Retires at Just 28
It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when Taylor Fritz — currently one of the top grass-court players in the world — was stunned by a little-known Dutch wildcard named Tim van Rijthoven. That summer of 2022, while Fritz was still climbing the ranks and sharpening his game, van Rijthoven shocked the tennis world by not only defeating the American but also going on a dream run that included wins over other top names and ended with an ATP title on home soil. Fast forward to today, and in a bittersweet twist, van Rijthoven has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of just 28.
Taylor Fritz, now a Wimbledon semi-finalist and winner of two grass-court titles this season, is thriving. His rise has been steady, and he’s earned his place among the ATP elite. But his loss to van Rijthoven at the Libéma Open in 2022 remains a notable chapter in both their careers. Back then, van Rijthoven was ranked world No. 205 and had never even won a main draw ATP match. He entered the tournament as a wildcard and stunned everyone — Fritz included — en route to the title, which he capped by beating then world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev.
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It was the stuff of fairy tales. He carried that momentum to Wimbledon, where he reached the fourth round and took a set off Novak Djokovic on Centre Court. The tennis world took notice. It seemed like just the beginning of something special. Sadly, that dream has been cut short by a persistent elbow injury. Van Rijthoven revealed in an emotional Instagram post that despite extensive rehab and medical treatments, his body simply wouldn't cooperate.
He shared his heartbreak at not being able to retire on his own terms, racket in hand, in front of fans. Still, his pride in what he accomplished shines through. His victory at Rosmalen, his Wimbledon run, and his battle against Djokovic will remain etched in tennis history.
It’s a poignant reminder of how unpredictable and fragile a tennis career can be. Taylor Fritz may be soaring now, but for a brief moment, van Rijthoven was the one taking center stage — and leaving even the best in his wake.
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