Suzan Lamens, a 25-year-old Dutch tennis player, has shattered her own limits by securing a spot in the main draw of the 2025 Australian Open. After years of falling short in qualifiers, Lamens’ career-defining season on the Hologic WTA Tour propelled her to a direct entry, and she is now ranked No. 87 in the world.
A Nonlinear Path to Success
Lamens’ path to her first Grand Slam main draw was anything but straightforward. Starting in 2024, ranked No. 207, she climbed steadily through the ranks. Her standout performance came in April when she won her first WTA 125 title on the clay courts of Oeiras, Portugal. Lamens is now firmly positioned as the second-highest-ranked Dutch player.
Lessons From “Break Point”
Lamens credits Netflix’s Break Point with providing a fresh perspective on her struggles. Speaking to WTA.com, she said, “When I was watching the documentary…it shows that even when you’re Top 10, you still have struggles, and you still have expectations that you want to reach.” She emphasized that seeing the universal nature of challenges inspired her to keep pushing forward.
Motivation Beyond Tennis
Lamens draws inspiration not only from tennis but also from stories of athletes in other sports. Lamens told WTA, “Other athletes…all have tough stories and struggles they went through.” This shared experience of resilience across disciplines keeps her motivated and focused on overcoming obstacles.
A Year of Progress
2024 was a transformative year for Lamens. Her win in Oeiras marked a turning point, solidifying her status as a rising star. Now, she looks ahead to her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, ready to embrace new challenges.
