Ruben Spaargaren Works Overtime

Ruben Spaargaren worked overtime at the ABN AMRO Open. The 25-year-old wheelchair tennis player from Aalsmeer played in both singles and doubles on the third day of play, with varying degrees of success. In the singles, Spaargaren defeated American Casey Ratzlaff in the quarterfinals: 6-4, 6-3. "It was a good match, but I had to work hard. Our world is small, so we know each other inside and out. Many players are also capable of winning the tournament.”

On Saturday, Spaargaren will play in the semifinals against top-seed Martin De La Puente, his doubles partner. Spaargaren’s schedule suddenly changed after the defending champion, Alfie Hewett, withdrew at the last minute due to injury. "I’ve lost to Alfie here for the last two years. Because of his withdrawal, I was seeded fourth and didn’t have to play until Friday—first in the doubles.” In his doubles match with Spaniard De La Puente, Spaargaren wasn’t as successful, as the team lost after a thrilling super tie-break.

In the women's tournament, it will be an all-Dutch final in the Wheelchair Arena. Lizzy de Greef surprised Colombian Angelica Bernal with a (7-5, 7-6) victory. In the final, the 20-year-old player from Alphen aan den Rijn will meet Jiske Griffioen, who is almost twice her age. Griffioen didn’t face too many difficulties against Jinte Bos. "I'm in the final again," said Griffioen with a beaming smile. "I'm going to fight as hard as I can again, but so will Lizzy. I'm still learning, even at my age. For example, I’m playing in a more attacking style now; before, I was more defensive."Griffioen and De Greef have played against each other for the past two years at the ABN AMRO Open. Griffioen, who is now chasing her 70th tournament victory, won both matches.