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Last weekend, Selena Piek marked the end of an era in badminton as she concluded her professional career at the 75th YONEX Dutch Open.
Amid family, friends, and a home crowd, Piek played her final match on familiar soil, where she first gained recognition and showcased her remarkable doubles skills.
A Decade of Partnerships and Achievements
Throughout her career, Piek has been known for her skill in doubles, often teamed with various partners. In women’s doubles, she partnered with Iris Tabeling, Eefje Muskens, and Cheryl Seinen; in mixed doubles, she found success with Jacco Arends and Robin Tabeling—the latter sharing the court with her in her final tournament. Together, they achieved significant wins, earning her a reputation as a fierce competitor on both European and world stages.
Piek’s talent became evident during her junior years in 2009. That year, she won silver in girls’ doubles with Iris Tabeling and secured a gold medal in mixed doubles with Jacco Arends at the European Junior Championships. These early accomplishments laid the foundation for her senior career, where she ultimately amassed seven European Championship medals and captured gold at the European Games with Robin Tabeling last year.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Piek also made an impact off the court. From 2016 to 2020, she served as a member of the Badminton Europe Athletes’ Commission, advocating for players across the continent. She further represented the Netherlands in three Olympic Games.
Reflecting on her retirement, Piek shared mixed emotions, admitting that stepping away from professional badminton won’t be easy. “It’s going to feel strange,” she said, noting that while she’ll still compete in some national leagues, transitioning from the professional circuit is a big change. “It will be a huge transition; I’ve been dedicated to this since I was 15. I foresee some challenges, but I’m also looking forward to enjoying life without the demands of professional badminton.”
At 33, Selena Piek may be leaving professional badminton, but her impressive performances and memorable wins on the court will not be forgotten.
