Coach Unboxed EP9: Yannick chats with Kristof Vliegen, a former ATP top 30 who took his first player as a coach from unranked to a career-high ranking #21 and has now returned to Belgium for his next coaching chapter. @kristof_vliegen
They discuss Kristof’s unique introduction to tennis and his development as a junior just having fun with the sport. Kristof shares his pro experiences from Futures to the Davis Cup to reaching high rankings before being told an injury would not allow him to play anymore. He reflects on taking the entrepreneurial route by chance and eventually finding his way back to tennis through coaching guiding a few promising young players. Kristof also shares insights on his new coaching role and what it means to be back to his roots coaching a fellow Belgian.
About Kristof Vliegen: He reached career highs of #12 in singles and #4 in doubles ITF world rankings, winning the Wimbledon Boy’s doubles championship and making it to the quarterfinals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Transitioning into the ATP tour, he became a top 30 player and represented Belgium for eight years in the Davis Cup.
In 2012, Kristof started what would become almost a decade-long partnership with Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, taking him from unranked all the way to #21 ATP with multiple titles. He has recently started coaching fellow Belgian Zizou Bergs, and he is also the director of a tennis, paddle and squash club in Belgium, BATD.
Follow Kristof Vliegen on Instagram @kristof_vliegen and LinkedIn.
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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo