The best is yet to come for steadily-rising Guy den Ouden

When Guy den Ouden walks onto a court these days, there’s a quiet confidence about him: the kind that comes from hard work, a clear plan, and the feeling that his best tennis is yet to come. At 23, the Dutchman from Maarssen is enjoying the most successful stretch of his young career, climbing to a career-high ranking of No. 147 in early September and winning his second ATP Challenger title in Porto.

Roots in Utrecht, Dreams Abroad

Born in the heart of the Netherlands to tennis-loving parents Arnoud and Anne, Den Ouden first honed his competitive instincts on the football pitches of VV Maarssen before switching his full focus to tennis. Training at the National Tennis Center alongside Botic van de Zandschulp, Robin Haase and Jesper de Jong sharpened his game. By 16 and 18, he was Dutch champion.

His breakthrough on the junior stage came at Roland Garros 2020, when he became the first Dutch boy since Thiemo de Bakker to reach the French Open semifinals, taking down No. 2 seed Arthur Cazaux along the way and rising to a junior ranking of No. 19.

Seven Finals, One Breakthrough

The road to Challenger success hasn’t been straightforward. Den Ouden collected 11 ITF World Tennis Tour titles and capture his maiden trophy in Dobrich, Bulgaria last year. In 2025, he lost four Challenger finals before finally capturing his second Challenger career title in Porto, Portugal which felt like a release:

“I was in four Challenger and two ITF finals before. I’m just happy to get it over the line. Seven times a charm–at least for me,” he said with a grin.

But the celebration was brief. “My coach and I went for a nice dinner, but we already had to fly to Sevilla the next day. That’s how it goes in tennis.”

A Grand Slam Taste—and Disneyland

This year also brought a first taste of the Grand Slam stage. Paris was “very nice and exciting,” Den Ouden says. His girlfriend, from Germany, joined him for the week - and even a day at Disneyland. Small comforts off court, like staying at her family’s home during the Neckarcup in Bad Rappenau, have made life on tour more manageable.

“It can help you to perform well on the court," he said.

Germany, College Tennis and Growing Up

Despite his German connections, his language skills are “not very good”—though he’s learning. After turning 18, Den Ouden took a brief detour to the U.S. college system when he attended the Pepperdine University in California.

“I only did five months there, not even a full freshman season," he said. "It was a nice experience. I had some growing up to do at that point and it helped me get to the path I am on now.”

He’s now back at the Dutch Federation, training with fellow pro Max Houkes.

Football, Golf and a Bit of Manchester United Pain

Off court, Den Ouden still nurtures his first sporting love. “I like football—maybe even more than tennis,” he laughs. A Manchester United fan, he’s endured the club’s lean years, and on rare weeks at home, he enjoys time with friends, family, and a round of golf.

Stepping Into His Prime

Asked if he’s playing his best tennis, Den Ouden doesn’t hesitate: "I am improving every day. I have taken some good steps over the last couple of months.”

With two Challenger titles, Grand Slam experience, and a steady climb up the rankings, den Ouden is proving that the boy from Maarssen who once dreamed on the football fields can indeed go far on the tennis court—step by step.