Began playing tennis at age six with his older brother Maurice, who teaches tennis in his hometown of Rotterdam...Father, Fred, works as a caretaker at his former school; mother, Cisca, works part-time as a cleaning lady...Compiled outstanding junior results, winning World Youth Cup in 1996 and reaching doubles final at US Open in 1995 (w/Wessels)... Played soccer as a youngster and his favorite team is Feyenoord in Rotterdam... Enjoys listening to Lenny Kravitz and Pearl Jam...Plays and enjoys watching snooker (favorite player is Ronnie O'Sullivan)... Says, "I can watch snooker all day."...Has a 6-11 career Davis Cup record (6-10 in singles) in 12 ties since 2001... Selected to ATP Player Council for 2004-06 term...Coached by Hugo Ekker.