Kiki Bertens

Kiki Bertens – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring journey of Kiki Bertens — from childhood in the Netherlands to becoming a top-4 world tennis star. Explore her biography, achievements, playing style, quotes, and lessons from her career.

Introduction

Kiki Bertens is a former Dutch professional tennis player who rose to become one of the Netherlands’ most successful women in the sport. Known for her clay-court prowess, formidable forehand, and tenacious spirit, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in May 2019 — the best ever by a Dutch woman.

Her career spanned more than a decade, and she claimed multiple singles and doubles titles, made deep runs in Grand Slams, and now, since retirement, continues to reflect on her legacy. This article traces her life, tennis journey, personality, memorable quotes, and lessons from her path.

Early Life and Background

Kiki Bertens was born on 10 December 1991 in Wateringen, Netherlands. Berkel en Rodenrijs after her family relocated.

She began playing tennis at the age of six, joining the local club ATV Berkenrode, where her aunt and uncle had connections. Martin van der Brugghen, who recognized her talent and supported her development even before she gained institutional support.

Interestingly, Bertens did not play many junior circuit tournaments: she had limited exposure in the ITF junior circuit, making just one Junior Fed Cup appearance.

Professional Tennis Career

Turning Pro & Early Years (2009–2013)

Kiki turned professional in 2009.

Her first WTA singles title came in April 2012, at the tournament in Fés, Morocco, where she entered as a qualifier.

Over the next few years, she continued to grow — not always smoothly, but steadily — with occasional wins in smaller WTA events, breakthroughs in Grand Slams, and building her reputation particularly on clay.

Breakthrough & Peak (2014–2019)

From 2014 onward, Bertens began producing notable Grand Slam performances. In 2016, she reached the semifinals of the French Open (Roland Garros) — her best singles Grand Slam showing.

2018 was a landmark year:

• She clinched her first Premier level singles title, winning in Charleston.

• She followed that by a tremendous run to win the Cincinnati Open (a Premier 5 event), defeating several top players.

• She also won the Korea Open in the same season.

• For her performance and improvement, she was awarded the WTA Most Improved Player for 2018.

In 2019, she achieved her highest career ranking — No. 4 in the world — becoming the highest-ranked Dutch woman ever. Madrid Open (a Premier Mandatory event), defeating top opponents en route.

Later Years, Injuries & Retirement

Bertens’ momentum was challenged by injuries, especially to her Achilles tendon.

In 2021, she announced that it would be her final season on tour, with some of her last appearances being in Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics.

After her retirement, she has reflected publicly:

“From a shy little girl, with lots of fears to an independent woman who played on the biggest stages … I will take this forever with me.”

She also has a growing family life: she married her physiotherapist Remko de Rijke on 30 November 2019. Mats, on 3 April 2022, and later her second child in June 2024.

Playing Style & Strengths

Kiki Bertens was known for being a baseline player, combining defensive resilience with aggressive shot-making. Some hallmarks of her style:

• Heavy topspin forehand: This was arguably her biggest weapon, enabling her to push opponents deep and dictate play from the back.

• Two-handed backhand with slice variation: This allowed her to mix pace and spin, though her backhand side was somewhat less consistent than her forehand.

• Excellent drop shot: She used this as a tactical weapon, especially on clay, to change up rallies and draw opponents forward.

• Footwork and movement: On clay, especially, she was adept at sliding and covering court, helping her retrieve many balls and stay in extended rallies.

• High-risk, high-reward approach: She often played aggressively — going for winners but also accruing unforced errors.

• Mental challenges under big pressure: Though consistent on many fronts, her nerves at big moments sometimes held her back, especially in Grand Slams.

While she had some success on hard courts, her strongest results were on clay and slower surfaces — terrain that matched her tactical patience and spin game.

Legacy & Influence

Kiki Bertens holds a special place in Dutch tennis history:

• She set a national benchmark by achieving world No. 4, the highest ranking ever for a Dutch female player.

• Her success, especially in 2018–2019, showed that players outside the usual power centers of tennis could break through with persistence and smart game evolution.

• Her match play — combining grit, spin, and variation — has been praised and studied by up-and-coming players in the Netherlands and beyond.

• As she transitions away from competition, she often speaks of growth, identity, and the emotional journey behind the scoreboard, giving insight to newer generations.

Though she never won a Grand Slam, her consistency, title list (10 singles, 10 doubles on the WTA Tour) and deep runs in major tournaments ensure she is remembered as one of the formidable players of her era.

Notable Quotes by Kiki Bertens

Here are some of her more memorable quotes, reflecting attitude, challenge, and self-assessment:

• “There is always something that I want to do better.”

• “Even though I never really liked watching tennis too much when I was growing up, it is fair to say Kim Clijsters was my idol.”

• “It is really exciting when I play someone I have never played before.”

• “On the clay, I am used to sliding so much and I move really well, but I can’t slide on the hard courts.”

• “I’m competitive with everything I do!”

• “Normally I’m really looking forward to the clay court season.”

One reflective quote from her retirement phase:

“It’s time to say goodbye now. Thanks to this beautiful sport I have learnt so much about myself, about the world … I will take this forever with me.”

These lines show a combination of ambition, self-awareness, and acknowledgment of change.

Lessons from Kiki Bertens’ Journey

1. Progress can be gradual but meaningful. Kiki did not burst onto the scene overnight — she climbed steadily through ITFs, smaller tournaments, then to Grand Slams and Premier events.

2. Leverage your strengths, work on your weaknesses. Her forehand and drop shots were refined into weapons; she continuously worked on consistency on her backhand and handling pressure.

3. Injuries and setbacks are part of the path. Even at her peak, injuries challenged her — managing them, recovering, and adapting is part of longevity.

4. Role models matter. Her admiration for past stars, and her own evolution, show how generational influence pushes athletes forward.

5. Retire with reflection and dignity. Her words on leaving the tour show humility, gratitude, and an openness to the next chapter.

Conclusion

Kiki Bertens’ story is one of steady growth, technical mastery, and courage under pressure. From a Dutch girl playing at a local club to reaching the top 5 in the world, she carved a tennis legacy grounded in tenacity and evolution. Her quotes, performances, and journey continue to inspire players and fans alike.

If you want, I can also compile a full match highlights list, video reels, or deeper insights about her best matches (e.g. Madrid 2019). Would you like me to do that?