Kiki Bertens has capped a memorable year by becoming engaged to boyfriend Remko de Rijke.
The 26-year-old enjoyed career-best runs at three of the four majors, including a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal in July, while she also reached a career-best WTA ranking of World No.9 in October.
Her year concluded in dramatic fashion as she reached the WTA Finals due to Simona Halep having to pull out injured. Bertens made the most of the opportunity by progressing through the Red Group with a 2-1 record before falling to eventual champion Elina Svitolina over three tight sets in the semifinal.
Undoubtedly the highlight, however, came on Friday.
“I said yes to the love of my life,” she posted on Instagram, showing off an engagement ring with her fiancé. “What a year!! Ring too small, but that doesn’t matter at all!! #happy #holiday.”
De Rijke, who is 31, has been involved as part of Bertens’ team as a physiotherapist, fitness coach and hitting partner.
The Dutchwoman, meanwhile, has become only the third player from her nation to enjoy a place in the Top 10 of the WTA Ranking. Before her, Brenda Schultz and Betty Stove reached such a status, with Kea Bouman, who won the French Open in 1927, the other great name in woman’s tennis from the country.
