The college tennis season is in full swing again and on the tennis courts in America our Dutch top players are ready to shine. Spread across various universities and conferences, they are showing how talent, hard work and ambition come together at the college level.
In this article we highlight a number of Dutch tennis players who we expect to make great strides and impress their teams this season. Wondering who these are? Read on quickly.
Mees Röttgering
University: Wake Forest University
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I / ACC
Mees Röttgering began his college career this winter at Wake Forest University, the university is currently the reigning national champion. The top Dutch talent had a historic junior career, breaking through at the international level at a young age. In 2024, Mees made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open Boys’ Singles and reached an ITF Futures final, becoming the youngest Dutchman ever to reach an ITF World Tennis Tour singles final. A final at the Wimbledon junior tournament and a win at the prestigious ITF Junior Finals followed later that year. In early 2025, he made his ATP Tour debut in Ahoy Rotterdam. With this baggage, we expect Mees to make an immediate impact in the ACC.
Abel Forger
University: University of Texas
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I / SEC
Abel Forger joins the University of Texas’ strong tennis program this Spring Semester. The Dutchman boasts an impressive international resume, having participated in all four Junior Grand Slams and a career-high ITF junior ranking of #29. With ATP rankings in both singles and doubles and a proven winner’s mentality, we expect Abel to quickly adapt to the high level within the SEC.
Manvydas Balčiūnas
University: University of San Diego
Year: Freshman
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I/West Coast Conference
Manvydas Balčiūnas has left for the West Coast to join the University of San Diego tennis team. With four Dutch titles and multiple ITF junior wins, he will now become the new teammate of Slamstox tennis player Stian Klaassen, among others. At a young age he was already on the court and since then he has been working daily with complete dedication to his dream: to reach the world top. His discipline, physical preparation and mental strength make him a player to be reckoned with, and with that Manvydas is ready to make an immediate impression in college tennis.
Jade Green
University: Clemson University
Year: Senior
Division/Conference: NCAA Division I / ACC
After three strong years at Western Carolina University, Jade made the move to Clemson University last summer to play her Senior year here. With a 17-2 singles record, a long winning streak and multiple records to her name, Jade was one of the absolute standouts in the Southern Conference. She was voted SoCon Player of the Year, was on the First Team in both singles and doubles, and combined her athletic achievements with academic accolades. With her athletic build, powerful backhand and tactical play, Jade is a complete player. We expect her to conclude her college career with another season at the top level.
Of course, these are not the only Dutch tennis stars active in America this season. There are many more talents ready to show themselves on the college courts. Follow our socials to not miss a single performance and stay up to date on the college tennis season!
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