On July 7, 1996, top Dutch sports experienced a historic moment. For the first time a Dutchman won Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Twenty-five years later, Jaap de Groot talks at length for MASTERS with the now 49-year-old Richard Krajicek about the consequences of that phenomenal success and much more. "That cup is the only prize that is not in a box at home. "Text: Jaap de Groot | Online Editor: Fleur de Jong
Image: John van Helvert
"Since corona, I've been sitting at home a lot. Too much at home. And that's not easy for someone who loves to travel a lot. That's why I do a lot of sports. Especially cycling, of course I also play tennis and golf a bit. The advantage of cycling and golf is that you keep your distance in accordance with corona rules, but still see and talk to people. Moreover, cycling does not give me trouble with my knees, which I have had surgery on several times. I can really enjoy it. Then I set the alarm at five o'clock, drive to Limburg, get on my bike in early daylight, pedal until noon and be home before two."
"True. Normally this is the period when I am working on players for the new edition. That already starts a week after the tournament and continues throughout the year. That is not an issue right now, and especially while cycling I think a lot about the fill-in for the coming year. But that is quite complex when you still have to communicate mainly through Zoom. I hope that by vaccinating we will at least have full stands again next year. As far as the field of players is concerned, I think I will be able to make decisions in August. Time will be pressing, so we will have to act quickly and adequately. Fortunately, two years ago I secured the then relatively unknown Jannik Sinner for three tournaments, so he is definitely coming."
"First of all, I am incredibly grateful to ABN AMRO that the bank still made it possible for this edition to go ahead. Furthermore, you also learn a lot under these circumstances. New things arise. Especially the Centre Court looked very cool. We also received many compliments from the tennis players. Of course you take that with you into the future, where hopefully the public can come inside again. That was the hardest part. On the first qualification day I went to watch a match on the court, but after that I couldn't bring myself to do it. Watching live tennis without an audience, I don't like it. The only times I was at the Centre Court was during the prize-giving ceremonies. As tournament director, I had to be there. For the rest I watched the matches on a screen in a room somewhere in Ahoy. Audience and emotions, it's just a must. The people make the difference."
"Yes! All winners are named honorary members and receive an invitation every year, plus two tickets to Centre Court for each day. And one day I get to sit in the Royal Box with my wife Daphne. You then have to be neatly dressed, there is lunch and later an English tea with scones and sandwiches, where you dive right into the 100,000 calories. So cool! And that comes back every year. Also, I still get asked to participate in the Legends tournament, where I play doubles with another past winner. Unfortunately, because of corona, that didn't happen this year. Also very nice is what happens after the tournament: as an honorary member you can bring guests to play on the grass courts of Wimbledon until September. That is really all-in. So change in the official changing rooms and have lunch in the clubhouse at the Royal Box. Everyone I invite finds it a fantastic experience. Because it's all so finely arranged, it's a treat to go to Wimbledon every year."
"Remarkably, I have now received an invitation to the Royal Box received, whereas that normally happens before the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, I also have my spot in the museum. Of course not as generously measured as multiple winners like Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, but still. There on display is the set I wore in the 1996 finals. I'm more than happy with it. It's been a beautiful moment that I cherish to this day. The cup is also the only prize that is not in a box at home. I owe a lot to it and that's why it has been given a nice place in my room."
"Just take my appointment as director of the ABN AMRO tournament. That I owe mainly to the then director Jos van der Vegt, who nominated me as his successor in 2004. It is the best job that could happen to me after my career. Also because this way I can still continue to contribute something to tennis."
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