Aaron Knapen – Tennis Player (2011• Belgium)
“My dream is to compete on the ATP Tour, and make a living from the sport I love.”
Aaron Knapen is an international junior tennis player born in 2011 who represents Belgium. He competes on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour in the U16 category.
Like many junior players featured in our Boys Interviews section, Aaron Knapen is gaining valuable experience across national and international tournaments, gradually refining her game and competitive mindset.
Through Tennis Papers, discover an exclusive profile and interview highlighting his tennis journey, playing style, competitive experience, and ambitions.
This profile is based on an exclusive interview conducted by Tennis Papers.
Aaron Knapen | Biography, February 2026
| Name | Aaron Knapen |
| Date of birth | March 18, 2011 |
| Nationality | Belgian 🇧🇪 |
| Residence | Oreye, Belgium |
| Age started tennis | 4 |
| Tennis age category | U16 |
| National ranking | B-4 |
| International ranking | #1349 Europe U16 |
| Tennis club | RTC Flémalle |
| Coaches | David Zwyrtek |
| Sponsors | BIDI BADU A-R-E-S ASBL |
| @aaron.knapen |
Through Tennis Papers, discover more content related to junior tennis development, including our coverage of Junior Tennis Tournaments and Junior Tennis Rankings.
Oreye, Belgium 🇧🇪 – peaceful village in the Hesbaye plains
🌍 Rural municipality in eastern Belgium near Liège
🌾 Surrounded by fertile farmland and open Hesbaye landscapes
🏡 Quiet streets reflect traditional Walloon village life
⛪ Historic churches and local heritage shape its identity
✨ A calm countryside setting rooted in agriculture and community
Aaron Knapen | Interview, February 2026
Hello, introduce yourself please.My name is Aaron Knapen, I am 15 years old, born on March 18, 2011.
I am Belgian, and I live in Oreye, in the province of Liège.What languages do you speak?I speak French, and a bit of English.
At what age did you start playing tennis?I started playing tennis at the age of four, and I have never stopped since.
Are there other tennis players in your family?My parents both play tennis for fun, and that’s how I discovered the sport. I am the first one in the family to pursue a competitive tennis path.
In which club do you train?I currently train at RTC Flémalle.
Who are your coaches?I work with my tennis coach David Zwyrtek, and with a physical & mental preparation team through A-R-E-S ASBL, which includes several contributors.
What is your weekly training routine?I train 12 hours per week, combining:
- Tennis practice (technical & tactical)
- Physical conditioning (strength, coordination, speed)
- Match play
- Mental preparation
- Basketball sessions, which help improve explosiveness and coordination
I also compete regularly in Belgian adult tournaments and Tennis Europe events.
What is your greatest strength as a player, and what do you need to improve?My strengths:
- Intensity and early ball-taking
- Explosive movement
- Strong coordination and competitiveness
What I am working on:
- Mental endurance
- Consistency over long matches
- Tactical structure in important moments
What is your age category and your national ranking?I compete in the U16 category.
My national ranking in Belgium is B-4, and my Tennis Europe U16 ranking is 1349.
I also play in the Senior Men 1 & 2 circuit.What have been your greatest successes so far?
- Winner of several Belgian M3/M4 tournaments
- Finalist at the David Goffin Junior Masters U13
- First ITF J60 U18 match win at 13 years old, in the Heiveld tournament
- Runner-up in doubles at Tennis Europe U14 Bergen
In which countries have you played tournaments?I have played tournaments in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Albania, Norway, Romania, Greece and Cyprus, with more planned in 2026.
Do you have any sponsors?I am supported by:
- Bidi Badu (clothing)
- A-R-E-S ASBL (logistics, coaching & development), including several contributors
What is your goal for 2026?My goals for 2026 are to:
- Continue progressing in Tennis Europe U16 and start entering ITF U18 tournaments
- Reach the ranking B-15.1 in Belgium
- Strengthen my physical, mental, and tactical maturity
What is your tennis dream?To become a professional tennis player, compete on the ATP Tour, and make a living from the sport I love.
Who are your favorite tennis players?I admire Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander “Sascha” Zverev.
What do you enjoy outside of tennis?I enjoy spending time with friends, playing basketball, and relaxing with video games.
Who would you like to dedicate this interview to?To my family, my coaches, and all the people who support me every day through A-R-E-S ASBL.
Aaron, thank you for the interview 🙌
Tennis Papers wishes you all the best in your tennis journey 💜🩷
