In recent years there has been an increasing trend of Dutch tennis players continuing their careers in the United States. Not only does this offer them the chance to combine their studies with competitive college tennis, but it is also an ideal stepping stone to a professional career. As in previous years, we have compiled a top 10 of the best Dutch college tennis players at the moment.

Wondering what the list looked like in 2025? You can read about it here. This list is based on the current UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) of the players. And we are very proud that all the players in this top 10 are our own Slamstox toppers. Another great development to see is that the overall level of our tennis players has skyrocketed. Whereas last year you were in the top five with a UTR of 12.5, this year you dangle at the bottom of the top 10. A development that underlines the fact that more and more top players are making the transition to college.

10. Niels van der Sijs

Niels van der Sijs is a new name on the list and started his college career at the University of Nebraska last summer. Playing in the Big Ten Conference means he will be competing against the absolute top of America on a weekly basis. Niels has proven in the Netherlands that he can handle this level and his place in this top 10 is more than deserved. And as Freshman we are confident that Niels will only go up within this list in the coming years.

9. Mats Bredschneijder

UTR 12.52
University: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / Atlantic 10

Mats Bredschneijder can be found at spot No. 9 this year. After his earlier stint at Auburn, Mats is now continuing his college career at VCU. Known for his strong physical play, he has shown once again this year that he is one of the carrying forces on the American circuit.

8. Pepijn Bastiaansen

7. Jip van Assendelft

UTR: 12.67
University: Indiana University-Bloomington
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / Big Ten

Jip van Assendelft is now a fixture in our top 10. He plays for Indiana University and continues to perform consistently at the highest level. Jip cleverly combines his college matches with international tournaments, taking his game to an ever-higher level within the Big Ten Conference.

6. Charlie Valentine

UTR: 12.68
University: Oklahoma State University
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / Big 12

In fifth place we find Charlie Valentine. Charlie competes for Oklahoma State University, a program known for its top athletic climate. With a UTR of 12.68, he shows on a weekly basis that he is one of the top Dutch players in the US.

5. Hidde Schoenmakers

UTR: 13.04
University: Georgia Tech University
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / ACC

Hidde Schoenmakers is another newcomer to the list, breaking the UTR limit of 13. Hidde plays at Georgia Tech in the leaden ACC conference. His aggressive style of play and tremendous potential make him one of the most interesting players to follow in the 2026 season. In 2025, he already managed to reach the semifinals of the junior doubles at Wimbledon with Mees Röttergering.

4. Stian Klaassen

UTR: 13.44
University: University of San Diego
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / West Coast

Last year’s No. 1, Stian Klaassen, is in a rock-solid fourth place this year, despite a nice growth in his UTR. Stian is an absolute leader at the University of San Diego. With a UTR of 13.44 and his experience as a former National Champion in doubles, he remains one of the most respected players on the American circuit.

3. Manvydas Balciunas

UTR: 13.46
University: University of San Diego
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / West Coast

Just above his (new) teammate Stian, we find Manvydas Balciunas in third place. Manvydas recently signed with San Diego and although he has yet to make his debut there, expectations are high. With an ATP ranking of 1336 and a UTR of 13.46, he has tremendous qualities. He will be a crucial link in the hunt for new successes for his university this year.

2. Abel Forger

UTR: 13.61
University: University of Texas (Austin)
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / SEC

Abel Forger is the No. 2 seed in 2026. He signed this winter with the University of Texas, one of the best tennis programs in the world. Abel has shown on the ITF and Challenger tour that he can produce mega results. With an impressive UTR of 13.61 and an ATP ranking of 687, he is a danger to any opponent.

1. Mees Röttgering

UTR: 13.74
University: Wake Forest University
Division/ Conference: NCAA Division I / ACC

With a final place at Wimbledon Juniors in 2024 and a world title at the ITF Junior Finals under his belt, Mees is one of college tennis’ most spectacular acquisitions. With an ATP ranking of 624, he brings direct professional-level experience to the reigning national champion. We expect him to shine immediately at one of the top positions in the lineup with the ‘Deacs and can be important.

As you can see our Slamstox tennis players are doing tremendously well, we are super proud! But not only on these toppers, of course also on all our other Slamstox tennis players. Keep an eye on our socials, because soon we will share a new overview of the top 10 girls tennis players. Would you like to go to America just like these tennis players to combine your sport and study and maybe even kickstart your professional career? Then fill out this form and we will be happy to help you!