Getting a picture with Tim: 'Such a nice guy !'

A year ago he could still walk incognito through Rotterdam Ahoy, unbeknownst to the general public. Now Tim van Rijthoven is always closely followed by two stern and impressive security guards, as result of his newfound fame.

Since his fairytale tournament victory in Rosmalen last June, the 25 year-old from Brabant has become a famous Dutchman, who is a regular on TV shows. On Tuesday afternoon he appears  - heavily protected - in Ahoy for an autograph session. And not in any location. On Centre Court’s first tier, right next to the Dunlop stand, his new racket sponsor with whom he partnered last month. Yet another happy consequence of his summer success in The Netherlands.

Van Rijthoven arrives with his wide relaxed smile, as if he had done this his entire life. Signing posters, large tennis balls, a man's cap and taking pictures with anyone who wants. 'I think his name is Van Rijthoven,’ says an elderly woman to her husband. 'Oh really, he's still such a young boy,’ he replies, after which the woman bravely takes out her cell phone and steals a picture for her books.

A considerably younger woman wants to be photographed with the young tennis hero but hesitates, somewhat impressed. 'Come on, don’t be shy,’ Van Rijthoven encourages her, and then laughs : 'Of course I want to take a picture with you, otherwise it would be a very short work day.’ Today was also about training since on Wednesday for his first match at the ABN AMRO Open, he will play against the American Maxime Cressy.

The signing session is almost over when five tennis members from TV Rijsenhout (from Haarlemmermeer) happen to stroll by. They see their chance to go, prompted by a Dunlop employee. With no more hesitation, everyone smiles for a photo with Tim. All five women immediately peer over the phone with great curiosity to check the picture. Approval is unanimous. ''Is he cute? Yes, and he's such a nice guy !'', the ladies shout afterwards in unison.

'We only know Tim from Rosmalen, yes,’ says the owner of the mobile phone when asked. And they continue enthusiastically: ' He is the next upcoming man in tennis. That's why we wanted to take a picture with him. That photo is now worth gold.’