Tim van Rijthoven was convinced of Novak Djokovic’s greatness after their 2022 Wimbledon match. The young Dutch tennis prodigy recently commented on playing Djokovic at Wimbledon, saying the Serb “simply different” than everyone else he’s played.
Van Rijthoven reached the Round of 16 at Wimbledon as an unseeded player after winning the 2022 Libema Open in S’Hertogenbosch.
Van Rijthoven said he was delighted not to face the three-time defending champion in the first round.
“Before Wimbledon, I was asked who I wanted to play and said, “Novak, but not in the first round.” In the 4th round, we played “Tim van Rijthoven remarked at the 2023 Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune.
He then praised Djokovic. Van Rijthoven beat the then-20-time Grand Slam champion, who later won his 21st Major.
“I enjoyed playing and battling him, but he’s different. One of the greats “Dutchman added.
Van Rijthoven upset Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Daniil Medvedev to win the Libema Open.
The Dutch player also discussed how his life altered after the competition, acknowledging that increased pressure affected him.
Van Rijthoven: “Mentally, much has changed.” “Life changes. After your results, people expect more. I played poorly in 2022’s second half.”
Van Rijthoven, who started his 2023 season this week at the Tata Open Maharashtra, is confident.
“But 2023 will be a fresh start and a new starting again,” he said.
“He plays grass well” Novak Djokovic after Wimbledon match with Tim van Rijthoven
Novak Djokovic thinks Tim van Rijthoven could be effective on grass following their Wimbledon encounter. The Serbian expected a tough battle against Van Rijthoven, especially in the first two sets of his 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win.
“I figured Tim, whom I’d never faced, would be a formidable opponent. He played, “At 2022 Wimbledon, Djokovic stated. “Today he showed he’s good on grass. First two sets were extremely nice.”
Van Rijthoven reached the Round of 16 in Pune to start 2023. He lost in two tie-breaks to Aslan Karatsev.
