 | |
| Country (sports) |  Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Residence | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Born | 9 May 1979 Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Turned pro | 2000 [1] |
| Retired | 2014 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Prize money | $214,727 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 4–9 |
| Career titles | 0 |
| Highest ranking | No. 100 (12 June 2006) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 1R (2005) |
| French Open | 1R (2006) |
| Wimbledon | 2R (2006) |
| US Open | Q1 (2008) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 0–4 |
| Career titles | 0 |
| Highest ranking | No. 178 (4 April 2005) |
| Last updated on: 5 June 2021. | |
Melle van Gemerden was born on May 9, 1979, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He began playing tennis at an early age and showed promise in national tournaments. By 1997, he had become the Dutch Junior Champion in both the indoor and outdoor categories, marking the start of his professional aspirations. [2] His early success earned him a place in Jong Oranje, a development program for top junior athletes in the Netherlands.
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Career
In 1998, van Gemerden transitioned to professional tennis. He made his ATP Tour debut in 2002 and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 100 in June 2006. He reached the quarterfinals of the 2005 ATP Amersfoort and also won the ATP Challenger tournament in Scheveningen in 2006. He reached the second round at Wimbledon in 2006, where a back issue [3] , which had become unplayable after his first-round win, significantly impacted his performance and led to two back surgeries, ultimately ending his career. He represented the Netherlands in the Davis Cup from 2004 to 2006, competing in the World Group quarterfinals. [4]
Suspension and Comeback
In late 2004, van Gemerden faced a setback when he tested positive for cannabis during the Mauritius Challenger. Though it was determined that the substance was not taken to enhance performance, van Gemerden had to forfeit ranking points and prize money, and served a short suspension. [5] He returned to the circuit in 2005, making a comeback with a Challenger title and participating in all Grand Slam events.
Coaching Career
After retiring from competitive tennis, van Gemerden transitioned into coaching. Starting as an sparringpartner, he worked with a number of top players, including Ana Ivanović [6] , Fernando Verdasco, and Sorana Cîrstea. From 2013 to 2015, he coached Dutch tennis player Thiemo de Bakker [7] and continued to work with up-and-coming Dutch talent through the Dutch tennis federation (KNLTB) from 2019 to 2020. [8]
Van Gemerden has since established himself as a sought-after coach, focusing on both technique and mental preparation for his players.
Art Career
Alongside his tennis career, Melle van Gemerden developed a passion for art. Drawing inspiration from artists like David Hockney and the De Stijl movement, van Gemerden began creating digital artwork that often incorporates tennis themes. His artwork reflects a blend of sport and abstract expressionism, with bright, vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. His "Fractured" series, for example, uses tennis courts as metaphors for the obstacles and challenges of life.
His art has been exhibited in several galleries and sold to private collectors. [9]
Personal Life
Melle van Gemerden currently resides in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He continues to work as both a coach and an artist. His personal interests and experiences, particularly his love for both tennis and art, have deeply influenced his post-tennis career.
Notable Matches and Trivia
Fun fact: During a Futures tournament in Hungary in 2004, Melle van Gemerden defeated a 16-year-old Novak Djokovic early in Djokovic's career. The match ended with van Gemerden winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, on clay, a notable victory before Djokovic went on to become widely regarded as the greatest tennis player of all time. [10]
Notable Achievements
- Dutch Junior Tennis Champion (Indoor & Outdoor), 1997 - Career-high ATP singles ranking: World No. 100 (June 2006) [11] - Quarterfinalist at the 2005 ATP Amersfoort, Dutch Open [12] - ATP Challenger Tournament Winner in Scheveningen, 2006 [13] - Competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments (2005–2006) [14] - Davis Cup Team Member (2004–2006) [15]
