Youp & Julian: crown prince duo of Dutch padel and the face of JDH

The Collaboration with JDH

You're closely connected to JDH. What makes this partnership special?
Youp: From the start, it just felt right. JDH showed real ambition to build something big in padel. They believed in us, and we immediately saw the opportunity to grow together.
Julian: What I really appreciate is that they don’t just see us as athletes – they see us as the faces of the brand. We're genuinely involved in decisions, from clothing to strategy. And the fun part? When people see JDH, they think of us – and vice versa.

What sets JDH apart from other sports brands?
Julian: They’re not afraid to stand out – with unique color combinations and signature design elements. Those stretch bands on the sleeves, for example – you don’t see that anywhere else, not even in tennis.
Youp: Most sports brands play it safe and go for mass appeal. JDH is compact, distinctive, and feels like an extension of who we are.

You wear JDH both on and off the court. What are your favorites?
Julian: The mint green Carbon Men Pro Tee with the white Carbon Men Pro Short – great combination. Super comfortable and clean. Those stretch bands complete the look.
Youp: I’m a big fan of the Carbon Men Pro Polo. That little zipper gives it something extra. Sporty and stylish at the same time.

Suppose you could redesign one piece into your dream version – what would it be?Julian: A polo that’s even lighter, specifically for tournaments in tropical countries. Breathable, but still fitted.
Youp: A short with even more freedom of movement, but with the same clean JDH cut. We could make something special out of that.

On the Sport and Life as Padel Professionals

You've been on quite a rise recently, winning the Dutch Nationals and a prestigious tournament in the Dominican Republic. What makes you such a strong team?
Julian: We complement each other – both on and off the court. I’m pretty structured, Youp is more laid-back. That keeps us balanced. When I get too intense, he brings lightness.
Youp: That balance is exactly what makes us strong. We know each other’s game and personalities inside out. It clicks not just technically, but also mentally.

What does a typical week look like?
Julian: Monday through Wednesday we train twice a day for 1.5 hours, plus a physical session and some mental training. Thursday is usually travel day, and from Friday to Sunday we play tournaments.
Youp: It’s a full schedule, but it’s what it takes if you want to move up.

Do you have time for anything else?
Youp: Not much. I sometimes help out at Just Padel – editing videos and such – but otherwise the focus is on my career.
Julian: I still work 10 to 15 hours a week as a financial controller. It’s a nice balance with the sport.

You recently won a tournament in the Dominican Republic. How important was that victory?
Youp: It really felt like a step up. You can compare that kind of tournament to a high-level Challenger in tennis. In padel, the exposure is a bit smaller, but the performance speaks for itself.
Julian: Definitely. After winning the Dutch Nationals, this was the next milestone. Winning internationally gives us a lot of confidence.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Youp: I’ve already broken into the top 150 this year, and Julian is right behind. That’s a great milestone. We’re playing more consistently than ever.
Julian: The top 100 is in sight. We don’t have many points to defend, so it feels like a promising year.

You travel a lot – is that thanks to sponsorship?
Julian: Our sponsors make it financially possible. It means we don’t have to rely on prize money right away.
Youp: Without sponsors, we couldn’t maintain this level. We really depend on partners who believe in us.

Off-Court Dynamics

What don’t people know about you as a team?
Youp: I’m pretty chaotic. Don’t ask me what’s on the calendar – that’s Julian’s department.
Julian: I’m super structured. Everything’s neat, everything’s planned. The contrast works well for us.

Who brings the relaxation off the court?
Julian: I’m probably more focused on prep.
Youp: And I’m better at letting go, haha. That’s what makes us a good team.

You’re often called the “Crown Princes” of padel. How do you feel about that nickname?
Youp: We didn’t come up with it – it started as a student thing. But now we’ve made it our own.
Julian: Exactly. It’s become part of our identity. We use it lightly now, maybe even as a kind of branding. And it sticks – which is fun.

Describe each other in three words.
Julian about Youp: Relaxed, driven, down-to-earth. He’s basically perfect, haha.
Youp about Julian: I wish I could say the same about you. I’ll go with: Determined, ambitious, structured.

The Future & Padel in the Netherlands

What do you want to contribute to the growth of padel in the Netherlands?
Youp: Getting kids excited about it – through clinics in partnership with the KNLTB, for example. Everyone should be able to enjoy the sport at their own level.
Julian: Centralizing the sport. A national center where players, coaches, and the federation come together would be a strong step.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
Julian: Competing on the Premier Padel Tour, among the world’s top 60. And as the go-to Dutch duo – both on and off the court.
Youp: Completely agree. That’s the goal.

Finally: what advice do you have for young padel talents?
Youp: Make sure you keep enjoying it. Without fun, nothing else will follow.
Julian: Don’t focus too much on winning. Even when you lose, the game should still feel worth it. That’s the foundation.

💡 The duo’s most-worn items include the Titanium Men Performance Tee and the Titanium Men Performance Short.