Name:Robert Groen
Date of Birth:February 19, 1992
Place of Birth:Baarn, The Netherlands
Nationality:Dutch
Height:1.88 m / 6’2’’
Weight:76 kg / 168 lbs
Sports:Tennis
Rating (NL system):Singles 5 – doubles 5
Plays:Right-handed
Tennis
Robert started playing tennis at the age of 8. Because of his above average aptitude he was selected to participate in the premium training program of his club. For several years he combined this with soccer, in which he also participated in the selection program. Three years ago Robert decided to fully focus on tennis.
During his first year of high school, Robert played in the premium teams at both his soccer and tennis clubs. He then chose to focus fully on tennis, which resulted in a more rapid development of his skills and game. In his junior year he was selected by his school’s tennis team to represent it at the Interlyceale; a competition between the 4 oldest high schools of the Netherlands.
Robert is quite talented, and his continuous improvement is due not only to sheer motivation and ambition, but also to his talent for being able to practice and apply what he learns.
Training
Pieter Koenders, Robert’s tennis coach, is a fully licensed coach who, during his 10-year national and international KNLTB assignment, worked with players such as Bram ten Berge (University of Mississippi) and Elise Tamaela (WTA high 129). Contact details: p.koenders@kpn.mail.nl, cell phone: + 31 14883300.
On average Robert trains 3-4 times per week on the court.
Emiel Mellaard, Robert’s fitness coach, is a former European champion and Olympian. He is still the Dutch record holder for the long jump (8.23 m).
Since 2007, special focus has been given during these weekly fitness sessions to footwork drills, reaction speed and, of course, physical development. Contact details: emiel.mellaard@planet.nl, cell phone: +31 6 25569511.
Matches
Robert is a good player in both singles and doubles matches. Among team mates he is a popular doubles partner. Robert is able to apply and adapt the necessary strategies and tactics during the game. For a young player he is well in control of his temper and is never (really) nervous.
Some of Robert’s strengths are: good (fast) first and second serve (kick), a strong forehand and good volleys, and leadership skills.
Tennis results overview
2009
men’s singles cat. 5finalist AFAS Leusden (Heijmerink Circuit)
2008
boys’ singles & mixed doubles U17High School tennis team – Sport Interlyceale
boys’ singles & doubles U17last 8 national junior major league competition(personal record 10W – 2L)
boys’ singles U171st round district championships
men’s singles cat. 6semi-finalist Gooiland Open
boys’ doubles U17winner club championships
men’s doubles cat. 5semi-finalist Baarn Open (Heijmerink circuit)
national ranking U1653 (highest rank)
2007
boys’ singles U16semi-finalist Kaatsheuvelse junior championships
boys’ doubles U17finalist club championships
boys’ doubles U17finalist Newasco Open
2006
boys’ singles & doubles U17champion regional team competition
boys’ singles U14winner national K5 TCO Overdinkel
boys’ singles U17finalist TCO Overdinkel
2005
boys’ singles U141st round district championships
boys’ singles U14finalist national K4 Eibergen (1st round losers)
boys’ doubles U14winner national K4 Spieghel
Other activities
Through his enthusiasm, Robert is able to inspire others to play tennis, too. During 2007 and 2008 he conducted 12 clinics in the region for elementary school children.
His trainer taught him how to string rackets. Not only does Robert now string his own rackets, but also does this for others as a side job.
Since 2007 Robert has been assisting at the bar/restaurant of the tennis club for about 5 hours per week.
