Embarking on his first steps into senior badminton, the young Dutch prospect of Wessel van der Aar gives us an insight into what this looks like for him. 

Van der Aar, 19, is shooting up the world rankings, particularly in men’s doubles after a quarterfinal result with Gijs Duijs at the Slovak Open in February. Many players his age have grown up watching some of the players still playing on the circuit. When asked which player he can compare himself to stylistically, he said.

- That is a difficult question to answer, I think I am a quite an attack-minded player and I also like to play from the rear court when I am playing doubles. I can also really appreciate a good defence and like to play from transition when in defence sometimes. If I must pick a player to compare myself to I think I would say maybe someone like Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, sadly I don’t think I’m as funny as him quite yet.

Very recently we heard of the news that Mathias Boe is retiring from the sport after a glittering career. We learn that Van der Aar admired the renowned Danish men’s doubles pair of Boe and Mogensen when he says.

- Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen are in my opinion the best European pair ever. I also got to watch them a lot when I was growing up. In mixed doubles, I also really like to watch and analyse the playing style of Praveen Jordan.

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We were quite bald

The young Dutchman was part of the silver winning team at the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships (EMWTC) in Lievin. What did this historic moment for the Netherlands mean to you?

- It was a great experience to be a part of that team. To win the first medal and qualify for the team finals was definitely a proud moment. We also had a great team spirit and were all very excited. And of course we were quite bald for a big part!

Van der Aar’s comment on the baldness is referring to the rookies of the team, as an initiation ritual, had to shave off their hair. At the memorable EMWTC, we saw Van der Aar also play some men’s singles. Explaining this move he says. 

- I had to play singles because Finn Achthoven was injured and could not play. We had no spare singles players with us and I was the only doubles player who was not playing in that team match. And because it was going to be a difficult task to win that match the team decided to let me play, so the others would not have to play another match. Sadly, I also got injured during the match and had to give up the match. But It was fun playing singles again.

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Best in the world

Van der Aar stated that the silver medal won in France with the Dutch team was the biggest highlight of his young career thus far. But his big goal builds on this early success when he states.

- A big goal for me is to be one of Europe’s best in the future and be able to challenge the best in the world. A bit like Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek are doing right now. I would also like to be an inspiration for youth players in the future. I think that would be a great accomplishment.