The off season is about to start, and we have already some change changes in the coaching teams. Kiki Bertens had a rather good 2019 after she reached a world no.4 career-high in May, and she ended the season in the 10th place. Kiki won the tournaments in St. Petersburg and Madrid; she was the runner up in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Palermo and Zhuhai. Probably the only disappointment was for her in slams as she has never managed to get past the 3rd round.
Changing the coaching team
It came a bit as a surprise her decision to end her partnership with her coach Raemon Sluiter. There was a bit of discontent after back in the days Raemon was unhappy with Bertens competing in doubles, and recently he didn’t follow her in Shenzhen for the finals. Eventually, she decided to continue with coach Elise Tamaëla and her future husband and sparring partner Remko de Rijke.
Raemon tweeted:
“I would like to thank Kiki for her trust, hard work, and dedication over the last four years. I wish her, Remko and Elise all the best for the future I would like to thank the WTA and my fellow coaches. Life on tour can be tough, but I really had the feeling that we were in the same boat. And a last thank you to everybody who was part of this journey, also before “my” time. There is no way all this could have happened without a strong base. All the best to everyone out there and see you somewhere on or near the courts! A #RaemonOut”
Kiki replied:
“Hi everyone, now the season is officially over, and what a great year it was! I would like to thank my team, sponsors, family, and friend for all there support! sometimes you also have to make tough decisions which you believe it would make you better.
Next year I will not continue to work with Raemon anymore. I would like to say thank you for everything you have done for me in the past 4 years. I have grown as a player and as a person. Without you, this would have been impossible. Thank you for everything! Next year I will continue to work with Elise as my coach. But for now, holidays!!”
Kiki Bertens’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.10, the Dutch played her last match on the 31st of October when she was overcome by Belinda Bencic 7-5 1-0 ret. in the R in Shenzhen.
This year the Dutch has a 55-26 win-loss record. The Dutch has won 2 titles in 2019 in St. Petersburg and in Madrid. Bertens was the finalist in Hertogenbosch, in Palermo and in Zhuhai.