A true metamorphosis for Lizzy de Greef

A lot has changed in one year for Lizzy de Greef at the ABN AMRO Open. The Alphen aan den Rijn resident made her debut in Rotterdam Ahoy during the wheelchair tennis tournament last year, after six months of injuries. Back then everything was new for the young woman. She suffered a hopeless defeat against Jiske Griffioen. Coincidence or not, today De Greef and Griffioen face each other again in the first round.. 'That is quite special,’ laughs De Greef, who has climbed up to ninth place in the world rankings. 'It was all new to me last year. Suddenly I was standing on a large stage with spectators along the court. It's going to be a difficult match against Jiske, but at least more fun than last year. I am happy that I have found a way towards the top.’

Nowadays, De Greef is among the world's top players and has stepped onto the big stage adding participants to Grand Slam tournaments such as the US Open and Australian Open onto her CV. Winning her first ITF-1 tournament, the Catalonia Open, last October is the absolute highlight of her young career. The former junior world champion defeated Aniek van Koot and Jiske Griffioen in Barcelona. 'After the final I couldn't believe it at all. I have always looked up to Jiske and then you suddenly beat her. Playing Grand Slams is really bizarre. I was used to the small tournaments like in Bolton, but then you’re amongst famous players from the WTA and ATP tours. Fortunately, my parents came with me to New York and Melbourne. That helped me a lot, because everything feels new at those big tournaments.’

19-year-old De Greef is already eyeing next summer with envy:  'My goal is to go to the Paralympic Games in Paris. To qualify I have to be in the top 8 of the world rankings. The top consists of many Dutch players and therefore you often play against each other. A good result at the ABN AMRO Open can always help.’

In the men’s tournament, Ruben Spaargaren defeated Tom Egberink in an all-Dutch confrontation: 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-3. Next up for Spaargaren, is the absolute top favorite and defending champion Alfie Hewett who is waiting for him in the quarter-finals.