Back to when… Krajicek became the only Dutch female winner

Michaëlla Krajicek was 17 years old when she experienced her career highlight by winning the strongly-contested WTA tournament in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. As world number 55, she exclusively defeated players in her five matches ranked higher in the WTA rankings, including no fewer than three top-20 players.

To this day, Krajicek is the only Dutch ladies singles winner on the Brabant grass. Miriam Oremans was close in 1997 and 1998, but lost the final. Kiki Bertens played a thriller against Alison Riske in 2019. Unfortunately, she failed to capitalise on any of her five match points in the final match.

Richard Krajicek’s half-sister’s route to the 2006 title was via Flavia Pennetta, Klara Koukalova, Jelena Jankovic, top seed Elena Dementieva and, in the final, number two seed Dinara Safina.

‘Winning Wimbledon and Rosmalen are at the top of my list. To have managed to win here now is brilliant,’ the brand-new champion told the NOS camera after her win.

‘In the final, I actually felt no pressure and wanted to try to enjoy myself. During the last game I maybe got a bit nervous, but of course that was to be expected.’ Against Safina, Krajicek served for the title. On her fifth game point it was a hit when her opponent failed to control an excellent second serve.

Under the watchful eye of big brother Richard, who was the best in 1994 and 1997, she raised her arms to the sky.

Watch the NOS summary of the final and interview here.