Interview Lamens: ‘She makes tennis look very easy’

In 2024, Suzan Lamens experienced highlight after highlight. She achieved success with the Netherlands in the Billie Jean King Cup, beat top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko and then picked up a top prize at WTA level. On Tuesday, she won her first match at Libéma Open.

What a year it is for you. And you add something wonderful to it again. Bernarda Pera, whom you beat in the first round, is a fine player who has ranked 35th in the world rankings.
‘Yes, this is also my first ever grass victory. Against a good opponent indeed. What made it extra difficult was that the match was aborted by rain halfway through the third set and we couldn’t finish the game until a day later.’

You yourself have climbed some eighty places in the world rankings this year and can start thinking about the top 100. Can we already call this a dream year for you?
‘So far, it’s a great year with all nice milestones. I hope I can add more to it.’

Is there a reason those milestones are all coming together now at 24?
‘I obviously work all the time to improve myself. I was always good at defending but notice that I have progressed in attack, making it harder for opponents to play against me. Because of my good results, I feel I belong in bigger tournaments. That mentality also makes a difference in how I play. In my win here, for example, I went for my strokes convincingly and that worked out well.’

You now get to compete with Naomi Osaka. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name of this four-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one?
‘Oh, I didn’t even know she was number one, haha. I immediately think of her first Grand Slam final against Serena Williams at the US Open, which she also won. That was one for the history books. I watched her a lot before her pregnancy, so I think this opportunity is super cool. She makes tennis look really easy. She hits SO hard, without seemingly putting much effort into it.’

What should someone really know about the person Suzan Lamens?
‘I think I might have a big mouth sometimes, but I can also be very quiet and take a back seat. That’s a trade-off. I wish I could be a bit bolder on the tennis court sometimes, as I can already be in life outside it.’

Do you have any hidden talent besides tennis?
‘Uhm, no not really. I read a lot. Books by Stephen King and Harlan Coben, for example, which are thrillers. I love to get my mind into a whole other world for a while through a book. I can’t name a favourite book, I’ve really read so much already in fact.’

If you could organise a picnic for three people from the past or present, who would you invite?
‘First of all, Daniil Medvedev, who I find special first and foremost as a tennis player but also always funny off-court. Then my boyfriend, who is also sociable happily, haha. And maybe Michael Jackson for the atmosphere.’