Tallon Griekspoor is the strongest in the all-Dutch match-up

Tallon Griekspoor is in the shape of his life. He has reached the semifinals of the ABN AMRO Open after beating Gijs Brouwer 6-4, 6-4, who got his ticket into the magical top 100 of the world rankings thanks to his victories here.

'I didn't play my best tennis,’ said Griekspoor. 'I served well and didn’t give away too many points. Thankfully, that was enough. Of course there was pressure on this match with two Dutchmen in the quarterfinals of an almost full-house at Ahoy. I had more tension and the pressure was on me as a favourite.”

Tallon Griekspoor and Gijs Brouwer both received a wildcard for this jubilee edition. Reaching the quarterfinals is further proof that Dutch men's tennis is on the rise. Griekspoor will watch the new world ranking with great interest on Monday, because the pupil of the Belgian coach Kristof Vliegen will rise to fortieth place. Griekspoor won his first ATP title in Pune, India, earlier this year in the first week of 2023. That tournament win has given him a lot of confidence. ' I have re-adjusted my goals. Why not win another ATP title? Especially when you feel it can be possible.”

Jannik Sinner is Griekspoor’s next opponent on Saturday evening. 'Why couldn't I beat Sinner in this form? I hope it will be a small party on Saturday evening from 7.30 onwards. Sinner is a very tall guy and the man in shape. Last week he won in Montpellier. It is a tough challenge.’

The last Dutchman in the semi-finals in Rotterdam was Igor Sijsling. In 2014, the Amsterdammer pushed Marin Cilic into a three-setter but had to recognise the Croatian’s dominance :  7-5, 3-6, 2-6.

The taste of loss was sour for Gijs Brouwer, because had he won, he could have reached the Top 100. On Sunday he will be on the hunt for next success in the qualifications in Marseille, France. 'That's the life of a tennis player. First let's see how I get to Marseille. Tallon made better use of the opportunities. This week gives me a lot of confidence for the future.’