Speakers

World Congress in Tennis Medicine & Science

We are excited to announce the esteemed speakers for the upcoming congress organized by the Society for Tennis Medicine and Science (STMS). This event will feature leading experts in sports medicine, science, and tennis performance.

The following distinguished individuals will welcome attendees to the congress:

Anneke van Zanen-Nieberg, President of NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Commitee)
Jacco Eltingh, Performance Director of KNLTB (Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association)
Dr. Fredrik Johansson, President of STMS
Prof. Babette Pluim, Chief Medical Officer of the KNLTB

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event!

Jelmer Alsma

Jelmer Alsma (MD, PhD) is an internist specializing in acute medicine at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities, he actively pursues research in acute care and supervises several PhD candidates, including one focusing on heat-related illnesses.

Dr. Alsma is also dedicated to organizing medical support for major sporting events, such as the Rotterdam Marathon. With recognized expertise in heat-related conditions and metabolic responses during physical activity, he served as a physician for TeamNL (the Dutch Olympic team) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021.

Currently, he also serves as a physician for the Dutch men’s national field hockey team.

Competing in the Heat | Keynote Topic
Heat Illness in Tennis
Friday, 4 April 9:30-10:30
US Open

Glenn Björklund

Glenn Björklund is the Director of the Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre in Östersund, a leading research and development center dedicated to winter sports such as cross-country skiing, biathlon, and alpine skiing.

In addition, Glenn is an Associate Professor in Sports Science, with a research focus on optimising sports performance. His work primarily investigates variable and intermittent exercise, with particular interest in the decoupling of key physiological training variables, including oxygen uptake, NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), blood lactate, and heart rate. Another key area of his research is the application of training metrics to assess both internal (physiological) and external (biomechanical) loads.

Glenn’s third research focus centers on performance and sports analytics, using statistical models to predict and analyse performance outcomes in sports like biathlon and swimming. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked closely with elite athletes and coaches, providing practical insights at the highest levels of competition.

Physiology Insights for Tennis Success
Friday, 4 April 14:30-15:00
Tennis court

Natasja van der Boon

Natasja van der Boon (MSc) is a human movement scientist specializing in biomechanics and currently works with the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB). She completed her Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences in 2023, focusing her research on the kinetic chain in the tennis forehand and gaining valuable insights into how biomechanics impact performance.

Since joining the KNLTB in September 2023, Natasja has taken on responsibilities in periodization for both tennis and wheelchair tennis, as well as conducting biomechanical analyses. She builds on her academic research to help optimize athlete performance.

Outside of work, Natasja enjoys staying active and playing tennis, maintaining her passion for sports both professionally and personally.

Stroke Booster
Friday, 4 April 15:30-15:50
Tennis court

Max Brouwer

Max Brouwer, MSc, is a Data Scientist at the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB). He graduated cum laude from the University of Groningen in 2021, earning a Master’s degree in Sport Science with a focus on applying computer vision and machine learning techniques to tennis.

At the KNLTB, Max contributes to both the Sport Science Team and the Data Team. In the Sport Science Team, he works on projects involving sensor technology, external load monitoring, and match analysis. In the Data Team, his expertise extends to recreational tennis and padel, including the development of an innovative padel rating system for Dutch players, set to launch in 2025.

Outside of work, Max is an avid tennis and padel player. He also enjoys chess and spending time in nature.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Tennis | Keynote Topic
Saturday, 5 April 9:00-10:00
US Open

Ruben de Bruin

Ruben de Bruin (MSc) is coordinator mental development of the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB) since 2022 and is currently training as a sport psychologist.

Ruben is a Human Movement Scientist with expertise in sport psychology and talent development. At the KNLTB, he focuses on integrating mental development into talent programs by designing and implementing an evidence-based performance behaviour curriculum. His research on the mental development of tennis players highlights perceived challenges and competencies, helping to shape his approach. Part of his work involves designing planned disruptions, which allow players to practice in high-pressure training environments.

Ruben offers sport psychology guidance to tennis players and elite athletes across various sports. He promotes a healthy performance culture and provides mental skills training that is essential for achieving peak performance.

The Power of Planned Disruptions
Friday, 4 April 12:00-12:30
Tennis court

Jan Bunt

Jan Bunt serves as the Head of Education at KNLTB, the Dutch Tennis and Padel Federation, bringing over 20 years of experience in tennis coaching and sports management. With a proven track record in both recreational and high-performance tennis, he also owns a successful tennis academy.

As a KNLTB level 5 master performance tennis coach with expertise in sport management and developmental psychology, Jan is dedicated to fostering athletic excellence and personal growth. He is skilled in curriculum development, coach education and program implementation, driven by a passion for enhancing the overall sports experience and promoting long-term athlete development.

Moderator Coaches Conference

Femke Claessen

Femke Claessen (MD, PhD) works as a sports physician at Erasmus MC and the Sport-and-Beweegkliniek in the Netherlands. She specializes in shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries, with a focus on tennis and padel-related injuries. Additionally, she serves as the sports physician for the Dutch Royal Tennis Association in padel and works as a tournament physician for ATP, WTA, and Premier Padel events.

In 2016, Femke earned her PhD in Boston with a thesis titled "Novel Insights in Elbow Trauma," concentrating on elbow trauma. She has published over 45 research papers and received numerous awards for her contributions to the field. Continuing her work in research, she currently chairs the Dutch multidisciplinary guideline for managing tennis and golf elbow injuries.

Growing up, Femke spent nearly every day on the tennis court, fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. In addition to tennis, she enjoys windsurfing.

Workshop: Examination of the Shoulder
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room B

Hein Daanen

Hein Daanen is a full professor of (environmental) exercise physiology at the Free University Amsterdam (VU). He studied human movement sciences with a specialisation in exercise physiology. After graduating, he worked as a researcher in electromyography at Leiden University Medical Hospital for four years. In 1990, he joined TNO, the Dutch organization for applied scientific research, where he balanced management responsibilities with research in thermal physiology and ergonomics. During 1995–1996, he conducted collaborative research at defense labs in Canada (DCIEM) and the USA (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base).

In 2003, Daanen was appointed an endowed professor at VU, and in 2016, he advanced to full professor. His expertise in product sizing led him to found the company www.sizingscience.nl in 2010, which later received the 2021 NATO Panel Award for its work on garment sizing. At VU, his research has centered on thermal adaptation to heat and cold, including optimizing Dutch athletes’ preparation for the hot conditions of the Tokyo Olympics.

Currently, Daanen’s research focuses on the effects of climate change on the health of vulnerable populations. More information about his work can be found at www.heindaanen.nl.

Competing in the Heat | Keynote topic
Performance Preservation in Tennis: Strategies for Hot Weather Conditions
Friday, 4 April 9:30-10:30
US Open

Todd Ellenbecker

Todd S. Ellenbecker, DPT, MS, CSCS, FAPTA, is the Vice President of Medical Services for the ATP. His career in tennis medicine began in 1986 as a local physiotherapist at the ATP tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona, working with Bill Norris and other ATP Physiotherapists for 16 years. In 2006, he formally joined ATP Medical Services, playing a key role in establishing Performance and Injury Prevention Screenings and was appointed Director of Sports Medicine in 2007.

Todd holds a physical therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, a master's in exercise physiology from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from MGH –IHP. With over 30 years as a certified sports and orthopaedic clinical specialist, he is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a USPTA Master Professional in tennis.

As an active contributor to sports science, Todd serves on the USTA National Sport Science Committee and the ITF Sports Medicine and Science Commission. Author of 18 books and over 100 research publications, he received the Samuel Hardy Educational Merit award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008, underscoring his contribution to sports medicine.

Managing Elbow and Shoulder Injuries | Keynote Topic
Saterday, 5 April, 13:30-14:30
US Open

Workshop: Examination ot the Shoulder
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room B

Jacco Eltingh

Jacco Folkert Eltingh is a former professional male tennis player and former world No. 1 doubles player from the Netherlands. He is best known for his success in doubles with fellow countryman Paul Haarhuis. Together, they won all four Grand Slam doubles titles at least once. Eltingh is the youngest player in the Open Era to achieve the career Grand Slam in men's doubles.

Jacco reached his career-high singles ranking in February 1995, when he climbed to world No. 19. That year, he notably reached the quarterfinals of both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, marking the peak of his singles career. Throughout his professional career, he won a total of four singles titles and 44 doubles titles.

In November 2005, Jacco was elected to the ATP Board as the player representative for Europe, where he represented the interests of European players at the international level.

Tennis Clinic
Saturday, 5 April, 13:30-14:30
US Open

Guy Evans

Dr Guy Evans is a Sports Medicine Consultant and the Chief Medical Officer at the LTA. He is responsible for the medical care of elite tennis players in the UK. In addition to tennis, he has extensive experience across a wide range of Olympic and professional sports supporting the GB rowing and GB swimming teams during previous Olympiads.

He has a sports medicine clinic based in Bath, UK where he sees a variety of high-level athletes. He is a member of the ITF Sports Science and Medicine Commission and is actively involved in research related to female athlete health, breathing disorders in athletes and mental health in sport.

Outside of work, Guy enjoys spending time with his young family and is a competitive triathlete, racing at a variety of World Championships including the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Advancing Health, Performance and Integrity in Tennis
Saturday, 5 April 11:00-11:45
US Open

Denise Eygendaal

Prof Denise Eygendaal received her medical training at prestigious institutions, including Medical School Rotterdam, Harvard Medical School, Melbourne University, and Aarhus University. She completed her PhD in 2000 at the University of Leiden, focusing on medial elbow instability. With over 20 years of experience as an upper limb surgeon, she became professor in elbow pathology at the University of Amsterdam in 2016. She currently serves as a full strategic professor and head of the Department of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, and Physiotherapy at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam.

A distinguished orthopedic surgeon, Prof. dr. Eygendaal specialises in arm and elbow disorders, emphasising injury prevention and treatment. She collaborates globally with orthopedic, plastic, and trauma surgeons, physical therapists, sports physicians, and radiologists worldwide. Her research and academic leadership include supervising 20 PhD students, authoring over 280 peer-reviewed publications, and contributing to more than fifteen books on elbow surgery, including four she authored. Denise has directed or participated in over 200 educational events worldwide on elbow surgery.

Beyond her work, Denise enjoys tennis and lives happily with her husband and two Gen-Z children.

Managing Elbow and Shoulder Injuries | Keynote Topic
Saturday, 5 April, 13:30-14:30
US Open

Vincent Gouttebarge

Prof Vincent Gouttebarge (PhD) is a former professional footballer who played 14 seasons in France and The Netherlands. He is Extraordinary Professor at the Section Sports Medicine of the University of Pretoria and based at the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers. He is also Chief Medical Officer at FIFPRO (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels).

Gouttebarge’s work focusses on a wide range of sports medicine domains being relevant in professional sports (emphasis on football), striving to protect and promote the physical, mental and social health of active and former professional athletes.

He is Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mental Health Working Group, co-Director of the IOC Programs on Mental Health in Elite Sport, member of the Heading Expert Group of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), member of the Medical Committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), member of the Medical Committee of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), member of the Medical Expert Group of the French Professional Football League (LFP), member of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) group, member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Mental Health Working Group and member of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA).

Prof. dr. Gouttebarge is also member of the Editorial Board of the South African Journal of Sports Medicine.

Mental Health Challenges in Tennis | Keynote Topic
Friday, 4 April 14:30-15:00
US Open

Brian Hainline

Brian Hainline (MD) is a neurologist specializing in pain medicine and sports neurology.

From 2013 through May 2024, he served as the NCAA's first Chief Medical Officer, where he played a pivotal role in presenting sport as a public good. In this capacity, he reshaped the professional and amateur National Governing Body approach to sports, building a collaborative network involving sports medicine organizations, scientific bodies, NCAA member schools, and the US Department of Defense.

As a leading international voice in both pain medicine and mental health in sports, Brian co-chaired the International Olympic Committee summits that addressed these critical issues. He is also a member of the Concussion in Sport Group and co-author of the 6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. With over 100 academic articles and book chapters to his name, he is also the co-editor of the comprehensive textbook Sports Neurology, which explores the interaction between sports and the nervous system.

In addition to his scholarly work, Brian serves as Clinical Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is the Immediate Past President of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and currently holds the position of Vice President at the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Mental Health Challenges in Tennis | Keynote Topic
Friday, 4 April 14:30-15:00
US Open

Iago van den Heuvel

Iago van den Heuvel lives in Amsterdam and has been working as a Marketing Intelligence Advisor at the KNLTB since 2024. In this role, he leverages data to support and enhance the organization’s strategic and policy decisions.

A passionate tennis enthusiast since childhood, Iago played an active role in the tennis community during his university years in Groningen. He served as president of the student tennis club and collaborated closely with the KNLTB on several Davis Cup events.

Iago is eager to share insights from data and research that contribute to societal health in the Netherlands. He believes that government agencies and sports federations can strengthen their visions and even financial decisions through the use of SROI (Social Return on Investment) models.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Tennis | Keynote Topic
Braking Barriers: the Impact of Innovation on Recreational Tennis and Padel
Saturday, 5 April 9:00-10:00
US Open

Aldo Hoekstra

Aldo Hoekstra (MSc) has been serving as the Head of Sport Science for the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB) since 2012.

In this role, he oversees the organisation's innovation and research initiatives, integrating these advancements into the elite training programs for Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis, and Padel.

Collaborating with the sport science team, he focuses on talent identification and development through the collection and analysis of data from training sessions, matches, and testing. His work results in practical, data-driven recommendations that benefit both players and coaches.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Tennis | Keynote Topic
Saturday, 5 April 9:00-10:00
US Open

Christa Janse van Rensburg

Christa Janse van Rensburg is a rheumatologist and Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of Pretoria. As a founding member of the College of Sports and Exercise Medicine in South Africa and a former President of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA), she plays a key role in advancing sports medicine in her region. Professor Janse van Rensburg also holds fellowships and advisory roles with prestigious organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine, World Netball, FIFA, and the International Tennis Federation.

Her DMed (PhD) research confirmed the benefits of exercise for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and she has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Her current research focuses on athlete travel, injuries, and illness across various sports. Professor Janse van Rensburg has also served as a sports physician at the Olympic, Commonwealth, and All-African Games and was a Venue Medical Officer for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

A frequent speaker at international conferences and a guest lecturer for the Royal Society of Medicine, Professor Janse van Rensburg remains deeply involved in Sports and Exercise Medicine practice and is committed to advancing global sports health.

Conquering Time Zones for Peak Tennis Performance
Friday, 4 April 16:30-17:00
US Open

Marleen Jansen

Marleen Jansen (MSc) has been a Sport Scientist and Tennis Coach at the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB) since 2021.

With a strong foundation in both data analysis and coaching, she specializes in bridging the gap between research and practical application. Her expertise spans areas such as match analysis, load monitoring, and technical analysis, all within the high-performance environment of the National Tennis Centre.

Working alongside the Sport Science team, Marleen is dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering innovative approaches that support the development of youth athletes as they progress toward becoming top-level international players.

Mastering Agility on the Tennis Court
Friday, 4 April 16:15-17:00
Tennis court

Ollie Jay

Ollie Jay is Professor of Heat and Health and Director of the Heat and Health Research Centre in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney. He is a NHMRC Investigator Fellow and has led several large-scale projects that have significantly influenced international public health heatwave policies in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Recently, Ollie partnered with Google to deliver his team’s research on evidence-based personal cooling strategies through automated heat warning alerts in Google Chrome worldwide. He has also led extreme heat policy development for Sports Medicine Australia, Tennis Australia (Australian Open), and Cricket Australia, and was the the Lead Heat Consultant for the Australian Olympic Team at the Paris 2024 Games.

Ollie is a co-founder of EMU Systems, a spin-out venture providing heat stress monitoring and management systems for sport and industry. He was recently profiled by the Lancet in their 2021 Heat & Health Series, and his research program has been featured in Science and Nature, underscoring its global leadership in protecting society’s most vulnerable from heat.

Competing in the Heat | Keynote Topic
Extreme Heat Stress Risk Managment for Professional and Community Tennis
Friday, 4 April 9:30-10:30
US Open

Fredrik Johansson

Fredrik Johansson (PhD) is Associate Professor at Sophiahemmet University in Stockholm, Sweden, and has served as President of the Society for Tennis Medicine and Science (STMS) since 2023. In 2020, he founded the Tennis Research and Performance group and is currently the Head of Athletic Performance at the STMS Center of Excellence in Stockholm. At the university level, he teaches various courses on return to play, sports injuries, and the young athlete.

In 2017, he earned his PhD from Ghent University in Belgium, with a focus on tennis shoulder issues in his thesis titled “Adaptation or abnormality.” Between 2007 and 2019, he led a longitudinal study with the Swedish Tennis Association, testing over 200 young players, creating a database of 15,000+ data points on strength and conditioning to establish benchmarks for sustainable athlete development.

With over 25 years of experience in clinical sports medicine and manual therapy (naprapathy), and a background in tennis coaching, he combines evidence-based knowledge with practical insights to enhance high performance in tennis.

www.sophiahemmet.se @frjohansson (on X) Contact me at: Fredrik.johansson@shh.se

From Rehab to Rally: a Return to Play Blueprint
Saturday, 5 April, 15:30-16:00
US Open

Sam Kazemi

Sam Kazemi (PhD, CpE) is an experienced athlete, tennis coach, and expert in injury prevention and rehabilitation. He serves as a professor and is the CEO of Sam Tennis Academy at the University of Isfahan, where he leads programs grounded in scientific research on biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance enhancement for tennis players.

Dr. Kazemi has played a pivotal role in advancing tennis science through organizing numerous congresses at universities. He is a respected lecturer at various Iranian universities, the National Olympic Academy, and the Iran Tennis Federation. His expertise has guided numerous PhD theses on tennis medicine, covering topics including "Injury prevention and performance enhancement in tennis players", "Effects of functional training on scapular brachial rhythm in elite tennis players with scapular dyskinesia", and "Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in tennis".

He is the author of the book The Mechanism of Tennis Injuries and currently directs a research project focused on predicting tennis injuries. Previously, Dr. Kazemi served as Vice President in the Ministry of Science for tennis, contributing to the field's growth and scientific foundation in Iran.

Tennis Injuries: Foot, Elbow, and Movement Screening
Assessing Injury Risk in Tennis: Validity and Reliabilithy of the Functional Movement Screen
Saturday, 5 April, 11:00-11:45
Wimbledon

Workshop: Functional movement screen
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Gym

Candice MacMillan

Dr Candice MacMillan is a lecturer, researcher, and postgraduate coordinator in the Division of Sport Science and Biokinetics at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Sports Physiotherapy and has served as a post-doctoral research fellow at both the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and the Sports Medicine, Exercise and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) in South Africa. Throughout her career, Dr MacMillan has worked as a physiotherapist for various professional sports teams.

With a deep interest in biomechanics, female athlete wellness, performance, and injury prevention, she founded the FEARCE™ (FEmale Athlete Research Central) research interest group. The group's mission is to advanceg interdisciplinary research in health and performance, focusing specifically on female athletes across various life stages and levels of competition.

Additionally, Dr MacMillan's current clinical research projects aim to challenge traditional approaches to athete screening and rehabilitation. Her work emphasises innovative strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation, with the goal of enhancing both athlete health and performance outcomes.

Holistic Health Care for Women in Tennis
Periods, Breasts, Babies, Bones and Biomechanics
Friday, 4 April, 15:30-16:30
US Open

Gavin MacMillan

Gavin MacMillan is the founder of Sport Science Lab® and a specialist in strength and conditioning, sports performance, and biomechanics. He currently serves as the biomechanics coach for Aryna Sabalenka and has worked with other top professional tennis players, including Brandon Nakashima, ATP NextGen Champion and ITF World Junior Masters winner, and Nikoloz Basilashvili, former ATP Top 20 player.

Gavin's expertise extends beyond tennis; he has collaborated with elite athletes across various sports, including UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, NBA star Zach LaVine, and Olympic alpine skier Bode Miller.

In this session, Gavin will share his approach to optimising athletes’ biomechanics for essential stroke techniques, such as the serve, and explain his approach for analysing players’ existing mechanics, identifying improvement areas, and aligning movements with ideal performance standards. He will also demonstrate how biomechanics principles in tennis can apply across sports, providing attendees with insights into his methods for effective feedback and tailored strategies that drive sustained improvement.

Biomechanics in Tennis Succes
Friday 4 April, 11:00-12:00
Tennis court

Bas Maresch

Dr Maresch (on the left) is a highly specialised radiologist with a focus on musculoskeletal and sports radiology. He holds the distinction of being the first radiologist in the Netherlands to be certified as a European MSK radiologist by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR), where he is also an active member of the Sports Subcommittee.

As the founder of RCT and co-founder of Sports Valley, Dr Maresch has significantly advanced the field of sports radiology. As a speaker, he has contributed to numerous national and international courses and conferences on musculoskeletal radiology, sports radiology and musculoskeletal ultrasound. In addition to his clinical and educational roles, Dr Maresch, serves as a reviewer for medical journals, is a (co)author of research on musculoskeletal topics, and has recently expanded his expertise to include artificial intelligence applications in radiology.

Radiological Centre Topsport (RCT)
Established in 2007, the Radiological Centre Topsport (RCT) specialises in delivering top-tier radiological services to elite athletes, national sports teams, clubs, and associations, including the KNLTB, NOC*NSF, and other sports-related organizations. As a High-Performance Partner of TeamNL, RCT collaborates with Sports Valley—the high-performance center at Gelderse Vallei Hospital in Ede, Netherlands—to provide dedicated clinical services to various national sports associations.

Since the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, RCT has been a trusted provider of second-opinion consultations, supporting athletes during the Olympics, Paralympics, and numerous other major sporting events.

Managing Elbow and Shoulder Injuries | Keynote Topic
Saturday, 5 April, 13:30-14:30
US Open

Jennifer Maynard

Dr. Maynard completed her Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida in 2009 and has since been an attending physician with Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where she is an Assistant Professor. She has directed the Sports Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida since 2016. Dr. Maynard served as a Tournament Physician for the MPS Championships (2009-2010) and WTA Chief Medical Advisor since 2019. She is also a member of the Hologic WTA Women’s Health Taskforce.

Dr. Maynard received her Medical Doctorate from the University of Maryland in 2005 and completed a Family Medicine Residency ate Christiana Care Health Services in Wilmington in 2008. She holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida since 2009. She has conducted research on the female athlete and concussion.

Recognized as a leader in Sports Medicine in the State of Florida, Dr. Maynard was awarded North Florida High School Team Physician of the Year 2023. She has served on the Florida High School Athletic Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for 12 years and is Chair of the Executive Board of Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program.

As WTA Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Maynard provides consultation and guidance to enhance the quality of medical services provided to the players of the WTA. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, she works closely with the Primary Health Care Providers to ensure optimal individualized and comprehensive health care for all WTA players.

Holistic Health Care for Women in Tennis
Practical Application of REDs Clinical Assessment Tool (REDs-CAT): the WTA Experience
Friday, 4 April, 15:30-16:30
US Open

Marcella Mesker

With over 30 years of expertise in tennis, Marcella Mesker is a distinguished figure in both professional sports and broadcasting. As a former professional player, she claimed one WTA singles title and ten doubles titles between 1979 and 1988. Since 1987, Marcella has been a respected tennis commentator on Dutch television, bringing her expert analysis to audiences nationwide.

Off the court, Marcella has contributed significantly in leadership roles, including as Secretary of the Women’s Tennis Association and as a board member of the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF).

Her passion for tennis continues to drive her, and today she co-produces engaging tennis podcasts, shows, and videos, offering fans and professionals her unique and in-depth perspective on the sport.

Moderator Scientific Conference

Milena Mirkovic

Milena (Milly) Mirkovic is a senior sports physiotherapist and the founder of Tennis-Physio.com, an online platform offering physiotherapy services tailored to tennis players.

Milly holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from La Trobe University and a clinical master's degree from the University of Melbourne. With over 14 years of experience, she has worked with elite British tennis players and wheelchair athletes at the Lawn Tennis Association in London. She continues to serve as the lead physiotherapist for Team GB's Billie Jean King Cup team and provides both private and online physiotherapy services to players of all levels, helping them recover from injurries and return to play.

Milly has authored several publications on upper limb injuries in tennis and was the guest editor and a co-author of the Aspetar journal's special Olympic edition in tennis. She also serves on the education Committee of the European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Care for Wrist Injuries
Saterday, 5 April, 11:45-12:15
Wimbledon

Workshop: Wrist Rehabilitation
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room C

Jamie Pethick

Jamie Pethick serves as the Science & Medicine Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), a role he has held since 2023. In this capacity, Jamie oversees critical components of player health and integrity in professional tennis, including the administration of the Athlete Biological Passport and Therapeutic Use Exemptions for tennis.

Jamie completed his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kent in 2016, with a focus on neuromuscular fatigue. He furthered his research expertise as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Kent, later joining the University of Exeter as a Lecturer, before taking up his current role at the ITIA. He remains strongly engaged in research and is currently co-supervising a PhD focused on supplement use in tennis.

In addition to his scientific credentials, Jamie brings a unique practical background to his role. From 2009 to 2017, he worked as a professional racket stringer on the ATP and WTA Tours, participating in over 20 high-profile tournaments, including 12 Grand Slams.

Advancing health, Performance and Integrity in Tennis
Prohibited Substances in Tennis: their Prevalence and Pysiological Impact
Saturday, 5 April, 11:00-11:45
US Open

Babette Pluim

Prof Babette Pluim is a Consultant in Sports & Exercise Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of the Royal Netherlands Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB) since 1990.

She serves as Chief Tournament Physician for the ATP 500 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam and the ATP/WTA 250 Libéma Open in ‘s Hertogenbosch. An Extraordinary Professor in Sports Medicine at the University of Pretoria and affiliated with the IOC Research Center of Excellence in Amsterdam, Babette holds a PhD on “The Athlete’s Heart” and a Masters in Public Health.

Babette is a Medical Consultant for the ATP Tour and a Research Consultant for the ITF. She is a member of the ITF Sport Science and Medicine Commission, and, since 2021, has led the evidence-based review of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Classification Rules. She chairs the ITF Classification Science Advisory group, advancing sports medicine and classification standards in the world of tennis.

Congress Organisor

Jesper Put

Jesper Put is a physiotherapist and manual therapist with a strong passion for tennis, currently working at the Royal Dutch Tennis Federation (KNLTB).

With extensive experience in elite sports, Jesper serves as the manual therapist for both the Dutch Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams. His expertise extends beyond manual therapy, as he also plays a role in the strength and conditioning programs for the youth athletes within the federation, ensuring a holistic approach to injury prevention, performance enhancement, and overall physical well-being.

Jesper's unique combination of manual therapy and sports conditioning allows him to contribute to the development and success of tennis players at all levels, from emerging talents to world-class competitors.

Workshop: Examination of the Elbow
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room A

Miriam van Reijen

Miriam van Reijen’s passion for exploring cultures led her abroad at 16 to complete the International Baccalaureate program at the Red Cross University in Norway. With degrees in Economics and Human Movement Science, and a PhD in the latter, she spent time in Thailand and Kenya, teaching English and engaging with the Kenyan running community.

Miriam’s career took a pivotal turn when she became a professional triathlete and later joined the Dutch Olympic Committee as a Sport Performance Nutritionist for the Dutch Swim and Tennis Federations. In 2024, she expanded her role with the ATP as a nutrition consultant, supporting athletes from all levels, including European and World Champions and Olympic medalists.

Combining scientific research with practical insights, Miriam prioritizes a “healthy relationship with food” in her athlete programs, enhancing both performance and well-being. An accomplished author, she has published two sports cookbooks with over 20,000 copies sold and regularly contributes to Dutch magazines. Based in Amsterdam with her partner Chris and two cats, she is currently learning Japanese.

Advancing Health, Performance and Integrity in Tennis
Nutrition and Hydration for Elite Tennis: Separating Science from Myth
Saturday, 5 April, 11:00-11:45
US Open

Rienk van der Slikke

Rienk van der Slikke is a movement technology specialist focused on wheelchair mobility and sports performance. Earning his PhD at Delft University of Technology, he developed advanced methods to measure wheelchair performance in sports using inertial measurement units (IMUs). His research combines biomechanics, sensor technology, and data science to elevate athletic performance and enhance quality of life for wheelchair users.

A key contributor to the WheelPower research group, Rienk advances athlete profiling with sensor-based and lab-based techniques and works to improve classification systems in wheelchair tennis, basketball, and rugby. He serves on the scientific support committee of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation and is a fellow at Loughborough University’s Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, collaborating on initiatives to enhance sports performance and health outcomes for athletes with disabilities.

Rienk developed a system for real-time performance statistics display in wheelchair sports, providing valuable insights for athletes and audiences. His interdisciplinary approach drives innovations across elite sports, rehabilitation, and everyday mobility.

Wheelchair Tennis: Speed, Skill and Spirit on the Court
Friday, 4 April, 11:30-12:15
US Open

Jacco Spermon

Since 2014, Dr Spermon (on the right) has been working in Hospital Gelderse Vallei Ede as a dedicated musculoskeletal radiologist, specialising in imaging and interventions for musculoskeletal and sports- related pathology.

As a former physical educator, he has a deep interest in identifying the root causes of elite athletes’ complaints and ensuring they fully understand their diagnosis. He believes this understanding is a crucial element in their rehabilitation process and return to play.

Radiological Centre Topsport (RCT)
Established in 2007, the Radiological Centre Topsport (RCT) specialises in delivering top-tier radiological services to elite athletes, national sports teams, clubs, and associations, including the KNLTB, NOC*NSF, and other sports-related organizations. As a High-Performance Partner of TeamNL, RCT collaborates with Sports Valley—the high-performance center at Gelderse Vallei Hospital in Ede, Netherlands—to provide dedicated clinical services to various national sports associations.

Since the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, RCT has been a trusted provider of second-opinion consultations, supporting athletes during the Olympics, Paralympics, and numerous other major sporting events.

Managing Elbow and Shoulder Injuries
Saturday, 5 April, 13:30-15:00
US Open

Vasileios Mitrousias

Dr. Vasileios Mitrousias is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in Anatomy, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine. He currently serves as a clinical and research fellow at the Center for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Hirslanden, Clinique La Colline, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Vasileios graduated from the Medical School of Larissa, University of Thessaly, and he completed his residency in Greece. He has been certified by the Greek and the European Board of Orthopaedics & Traumatology since 2023. He holds a PhD in anatomy, and since 2019 he has been teaching Clinical Anatomy to medical, physiotherapy, and nursing students. His research experience spans multiple projects focusing on anatomy, sports trauma, and arthroscopic surgery.

Vasileios has a deep passion for tennis medicine, combining his professional expertise with his personal love for the sport. He relies on hard work, commitment, and determination to keep up with the highest standards. He appreciates honesty, integrity, and respect.

Tennis Injuries
Unraveling the Anatomy of Tennis-specific Injuries: from Basic Science to Diagnosis
Saturday, 5 April, 11:00-12:30
Wimbledon

Esther Vergeer

Esther Vergeer is one of the most successful athletes in Dutch sports history, having won 470 consecutive singles matches and remaining undefeated for the last ten years of her career. She earned seven gold medals at the Paralympic Games, concluding with a final victory in London 2012. In recognition of her achievements, Esther received the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2002 and 2008 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2023. She retired in 2013 and was honored with the Fanny Blankers-Koen Career Prize in 2016.

Beyond her sports career, Esther is the director of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, collaborating with Richard Krajicek to integrate the wheelchair tennis tournament into the ATP 500 event. She also serves as an advisor to NOC*NSF for Paralympic Team NL and has been Chef de Mission for the team at the 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024 Paralympic Games.

In 2004, Esther founded the Esther Vergeer Foundation, which helps children with physical disabilities or chronic conditions find suitable sports opportunities. Through tailored sports plans and clinics, the foundation fosters development, self-confidence, and lifelong friendships for hundreds of children.

Wheelchair Tennis: Speed, Skill and Spirit on the Court
Friday, 4 April, 11:30-12:15
US Open

Adam Weir

Dr Adam Weir is a British sports medicine physician with qualifications in both medicine (MBBS) and research (PhD). He trained at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and later specialized in sports medicine in the Netherlands, completing his PhD at Utrecht University on treating groin injuries in athletes. Dr. Weir served as Deputy Head of Aspetar's Sports Groin Pain Centre in Doha, where he led the creation of the Doha Agreement on groin pain terminology in athletes.

Currently, he is the Medical Coordinator at Erasmus University Medical Centre's Academic Centre for Hip and Groin Injuries in Rotterdam and also works at the Sport Beweegkliniek in Haarlem.

An active researcher and educator, Dr. Weir has published extensively in sports medicine journals and holds several editorial roles, including Associate Editor for the British Journal of Sports Medicine and Editor-in-Chief of the Dutch Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine. His clinical interests include groin injuries, muscle injuries, tendinopathy, and medial tibial stress syndrome.

Married with three children, Dr. Weir enjoys sports, cooking, and outdoor activities in his free time.

Workshop: Examination of the Hip and Groin
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room D

Sam Williamson

Sam is a Physiotherapist with a special interest in Sports Physiotherapy. He has supported athletes at various stages of development in professional, Olympic, and Paralympic sport. Most recently, he served as the Lead Physiotherapist for the LTA Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme, helping athletes achieve success at Grand Slam events and the Paralympics over the past five years.

In addition, Sam is a consultant for the ITF Wheelchair Tennis team, where he holds the role of Head of Classification. In this position, he supports the development and implementation of classification for the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour. His responsibilities include training and educating classifiers, organizing classification events, and contributing to the ITF’s classification wheelchair research initiatives.

Wheelchair Tennis: Speed, Skill and Spirit on the Court
Friday, 4 April, 11:30-12:15
US Open

Jorien Woolderink

Jorien Woolderink is gynaecologist at the Martini Hospital in Groningen.

She completed her medical training at the Medical University of Groningen, Utrecht and the Royal Adelaide hospital in Australia. Since 2012, she has worked in the hospital’s gynaecology department focusing on benign and oncological gynaecology, while also serving as a trainer for gynaecologists in training in the northern Netherlands.

In 2019, Jorien earned her PhD with research on “Gynaecological surveillance in women with Lynch Syndrome”. In collaboration with Anne Marijn van de Graaf and the Sports Medicine department, she launched the Sport and Gyn Outpatient Clinic in 2024. This initiative is part of the nationwide network Sport and Gyn network, a multidisciplinary effort to enhance healthcare for female athletes.

Outside of her professional life, Jorien enjoys playing tennis, speed skating, and supporting her two children in their sporting activities.

Holistic Health Care for Women in Tennis
Winning Strategies for Reproductive Health: a Grand Slam Approach
Friday, 4 April, 15:30-16:30
US Open

Anneke van Zanen - STMS World Congress AMSTERDAM 4-5 April 2025

Anneke van Zanen - Nieberg

Anneke (J.M.) van Zanen – Nieberg
President NOC*NSF

Anneke van Zanen – Nieberg has been actively involved in and committed to sports for many years. Initially as an athlete and coach, and later in leadership roles across sports associations, regional partnerships (such as CTO Metropool), and the NOC*NSF. As NOC*NSF treasurer until 2016, she developed a strong grasp of governance, organisational developments, and societal challenges faced by the sports federations, guiding them through tough financial periods.

Anneke is an enthusiastic sports lover - whether participating, supporting her children, or cheering as a fan, she is often seen around the sports fields.

With a background in handball (youth international) and high-level roles in government and business, she brings a broad network and extensive experience. As NOC*NSF president, Anneke aims to strengthen sports foundations, lower barriers to participation, boost the Netherlands international sports success, and forge connections with other sectors like public health.

Opening Adress

Elisa Zwerus

Elisa Zwerus is an orthopaedic surgeon in training based in Heerlen, in the south of the Netherlands. She specialises in shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist pathology and is currently completing her PhD on the physical examination of the elbow. Her research highlights her passion for advancing diagnostic precision and improving patient outcomes in upper extremity care.

In addition to her medical pursuits, Elisa is a dedicated long-distance triathlete, exemplifying the discipline and determination needed to excel both in sport and medicine. Her dual commitment to athletics and surgery provides unique insights into the musculoskeletal demands placed on athletes.

At the conference, Elisa will lead a workshop on the physical examination of the elbow with physiotherapist Jesper Put. She is excited to provide participants with hands-on experience and practical techniques to refine their clinical skills.

Workshop: Examination of the Elbow
Saturday, 5 April, 8:00-8:30 or 8:30-9:00
Room A