Fun & Famous

EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR GREAT HEROINE KIKI BERTENS

Kiki Bertens (you know, our Dutch tennis pride that everyone is talking about) and I have a few things in common. The name, the 24-year-old age, our love for Paris, but that's where it ends, I'm afraid. Kiki is a beast. A killer. A top-class athlete who does justice to our little kale country during the biggest matches in the world.
So also today, because Kiki is in the semifinals of one of the biggest tennis tournaments of the year. Her opponent? Serena Williams. I can hardly handle the tension, people. Not such a huge tennis freak, but for Team Kiki? Then I'll give you a tennis injection in 8 points just before the big match. You'll feel a bit like a pro.

1. Kiki started playing tennis. After obtaining her HAVO diploma in 2009, she fully dedicated herself to the sport.
2. The tournament currently being held is the Roland Garros (also known as the French Open).
It is an annual recurring tennis tournament held at the Stade Roland-Garros, near the Porte d’Auteuil in Paris.

“If she wins a big match, they cry together three buckets full”

3. Intense background info: Kiki lived for a year with the fear of having cancer. A lump was discovered in her thyroid, after which she put her sports career on hold for a while. Last year around this time, the good news came: the lump was benign. And so she could fully immerse herself in her passion again.

4. Martin van der Brugghen was Kiki's first coach and the two are still inseparable. If she wins a big match, they cry together three buckets full. Cute.

5. Tennis player Kiki Bertens was ranked number 133 in the world a year ago, and since yesterday she is number 33. Guided by her current coach Raemon Sluiter, Kiki has transformed into an athlete with substance and confidence.

“Watch out Serena, our killer Kiki smells blood”

6. Her other half? Conditioning coach Errol Esajas.
When Bertens is in the Netherlands, she trains up to six times a week with the Rotterdammer. She boxes, jumps over hurdles, and works with a reaction ball. Variety is key, running is the foundation.

7. Kiki is now so fit that she has already played 72 matches in 2016.
About dedication spoken…

8. What did Serena say about Kiki during the press conference yesterday?
“I know she is in shape. I think she is a sweet girl and for someone like her, you always enjoy it when she plays well.” Am I seeing ghosts or does this sound a bit condescending? Watch out Serena, our killer Kiki smells blood. And that's a good thing. Namesake, make me proud!