The best sports memory

Do you have a sporting moment that will stay with you forever? Share your best memory and inspire others! Whether it was a victory, perseverance or a special moment - your story can motivate others to keep going and push their limits.

Quint Jessen: The Final of the Masters of Limburg (2012)

In 2012 I got the chance to participate in the Masters of Limburg. It was a special experience, but the final was really the highlight. I was facing Thimo, a German guy who could hit a decent ball. The tension was palpable, and it was clear that this final would be a great one.

I was the last match of the day and played on court 2, at the park of TC Echt. The terrace was nicely full, the sun was shining, and people were visibly enjoying the match. What I remember most is that I had recently switched from a double to a single-handed backhand. In the beginning I had a lot of trouble with it, but after a lot of training it went a lot better. And that hard work was rewarded.

At one point during the match, I was on match point. It was a long rally and the tension was palpable. I got the ball on my backhand, and somehow I got it perfectly down the line – a winner! The ball had barely gone in, and the terrace erupted in cheers. I had no idea how to react, so I just did whatever I wanted: I threw my arms in the air and shouted “Yess!”

That moment is so special for me because I was able to captivate the audience with the great tennis I showed. The hard work on my backhand and the confidence I had in my game came together perfectly at that moment. That victory was of course great, but the way the terrace cheered and encouraged me will stay with me forever. It really felt like a moment when everything was right, and it was not only my victory, but also the victory of all those hours of training.

This will always remain the best memory in sports for me.