In this article, we get to know Robin Tabeling, the Dutch doubles player, a little better as he answers questions about his best badminton memory, his favourite player of all time and what he would be doing if he was not playing badminton for a living. 

How did you start playing badminton?

- I started playing badminton mainly because of my sister Iris Tabeling. When I was young we dropped her off and picked her up after practice. Also, both of my parents played badminton, so at the weekend we were in the hall and I picked up a racket pretty easily and starting hitting. 

What do you do in your spare time when you are not in the badminton hall or at the gym? 

- I really like to play board games or card games with some friends. But I am also satisfied with a good series or some sports on the TV to watch.

What is your best badminton memory and why?

- Winning the mixed doubles of the Dutch Open in 2019. Being the first Dutch Mixed combination to lift the title, in front of the home crowd that was filled with friends and family. Amazing day!

If you could choose one player to play doubles with, who would it be and why?

- Lee Young Dae. He has been one of my idols since I was 15/16 years old and enjoyed so many great matches of him on YouTube. With an incredibly solid defence and a good creative net touch, I would like to play with him once!

What was your big goal as a 15-year-old? Why?

- A pretty common one for a 15-year-old: Reaching the Olympic Games! Just because it’s the biggest multi-sport event in the world, with all the attention and prestige the event comes with.

Did you achieve that goal?

- Not yet, but I hope to make it to Tokyo 2021!

What is your big goal now?

- For now, my big goal is to reach the top 10 on the world ranking. Therefore we have to perform consistently at a very high level at the major tournaments, something we have shown to be able to do once in a while, but I want to be more consistent at this high level. 

When you are at tournaments, what do you like to do when you are not playing matches or warming up? 

- Usually, the trip to a tournament has all the focus on the tournament itself. There is not much time for sightseeing, as you are practising, playing or resting. I usually bring my PlayStation for the spare time we have and also like to go out around the hotel for a good meal of the local cuisine. 

Who is your favourite player of all time and why?

- This also is Lee Young Dae, who has been at the world-class level for so many years with different partners. Medalling at as a teenager at the Olympics and multiple world championship medals, I’ve watched almost all of his matches. 

If you weren’t playing badminton, what would you be doing then?

- That's a tough question! I think I would be doing something in the medicinal industry, as I have finished my Biomedical Science Bachelor. Besides that, I think I would play in a soccer team filled with friends and live a little closer to my family.

Who has been your biggest support in your career?

- If there would have been one particular name, I would name him/her. But this has to be my family (parents and sister). They have been there in the early years of my career to support me mentally but also financially so I could play badminton!