Simon Kiekebeld

Simon is currently studying at the highest high school level in the Netherlands (VWO) and places a strong emphasis on his academics, showing a balanced dedication to both his studies and his tennis career. He is interested in pursuing further education in technical fields or business, highlighting his commitment to excelling in both academic and athletic arenas.

Despite his strengths, Simon acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in his physical conditioning and service game. He aims to build more strength and endurance to enhance his overall performance. Simon is currently focusing on improving both his first and second serves, working diligently to add more power and spin to his game. Additionally, he strives to consistently hit deeper balls and take control of rallies more effectively. Simon’s ability to stay calm and persevere in difficult situations is a testament to his resilience on the court.

Simon’s tennis journey began at Nootdorpse Tennis Club, where he started playing at the age of 5. His competitive play took off when he was 11, and by 14, he was competing in adult tournaments, including a notable performance in an HE5 event. Over the past year, Simon has significantly increased his tournament participation, winning both the HE4 and HE5 categories at Oud Wassenaar, which helped boost his KNLTB singles rating from 5.3 to 3.3. Simon has participated in the Dutch national champions in singles and in team play during 2024.

Throughout the summer of 2024, Simon’s UTR improved from 8.2 to 9.6, with impressive wins over players like L. Ruiter (UTR 10.2) and Pepijn Langras (UTR 10.1). Despite limited academy training, Simon has a strong physique and untapped potential, making him an exciting prospect for further development in college. He is eager to continue his growth both on and off the court in the United States, where he aims to reach his full potential.

If you’re interested in connecting with Simon, please reach out to Pedro at pedro@slamstox.com.