Devin Badenhorst: Early Spark & Junior Glory

Early Achievements in South African Tennis

Born and raised in Pretoria, Devin Badenhorst made waves in junior tennis early on. He captured the African Under-18 singles and doubles crowns in Tunisia. His most thrilling moment came during a tense final, where he triumphed with scores of 6–4, 6–4 against Namibia’s top seed.

A standout moment in his journey occurred on home soil in Durban. There, he clinched his first Grade-2 singles title, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure when facing top-class competition. These early victories revealed his competitive spirit and foreshadowed even greater achievements ahead.

The Baylor Chapter Begins

At 6′7″, this lanky phenom brought his game, along with his lifelong doubles partner Luc Koenig, to Baylor University in early 2024. Adapting quickly to the new environment, Devin went undefeated in his first five singles and four doubles matches. He earned praise not only for his powerful serve but also for his calm demeanor and team spirit.

Devin models his mindset after his idol, Novak Djokovic. He believes in resilience, discipline, and strategic grit. His commitment to these values shines through in every match he plays.

That spring, Devin earned his first Big 12 Player of the Week nod in 2025 thanks to his impressive performances early in the season. His 2025 season statistics, with a record of 36–23 in singles and 34–19 in doubles, secured him All-Big 12 First Team honors.

Triumphs Amid Tragedy

The year 2024 tested Devin in ways he never expected. In May, tragedy struck with the deaths of his father Louwrense and sister Michelle in a car accident back home. This heartbreaking news arrived just hours before Baylor was scheduled to compete in the NCAA regionals.

Despite his overwhelming grief, Devin made the difficult choice to play, supported by his coaches and his Baylor “family.” In that emotionally charged environment, he managed to maintain his focus on the game. His teammates rallied around him, providing much-needed support. Coach Woodson referred to his performance as “the most impressive I’ve ever seen on a tennis court.”

After the match, he returned home for the funerals, and community support buoyed him during this challenging time.

Building Momentum On & Off Court

Returning to South Africa that summer, Devin achieved another milestone. He claimed his first ITF men’s title at the Curro Centre Court Series in Durban. He defeated top seed Kris van Wyk with scores of 7–6, 6–4—less than two months after his family’s tragic loss. Devin spoke about drawing strength from his family’s legacy and the supportive culture fostered at Baylor. The ITF site currently lists his career-high singles ranking at No. 661.

The 2024–25 season showcased Devin’s steady improvement. He secured the doubles point and played a pivotal role in Baylor's 4–2 victory over Nebraska. Moreover, he helped the team deliver a strong performance in the ITA Indoor Championships. Devin vowed to take revenge against top-seeded TCU, highlighting his determination to succeed.

A Vision That Extends Beyond Tennis

Off the court, Devin is pursuing a business major. He aims for a master’s degree and remains pragmatic about the financial challenges of a professional tennis career. He understands the travel costs, coaching expenses, and overall uncertainty involved. Because of this, he views education as not just a backup plan, but also as a vital discipline-builder.

What’s Next for Devin?

• On the Court: Devin is eyeing higher ATP/ITF rankings, more ITF titles, and a strong finish with the Baylor team. He aims to leverage his dynamic serve, strong team mindset, and mental resilience.

• Off the Court: Devin will continue his academic journey and prepare for life after tennis. The skills he's developed on the court will undoubtedly enrich his future endeavors.

  
  

Final Takeaway

Devin Badenhorst’s journey is one of raw talent, unwavering grit, and emotional resilience. From dominating junior circuits in South Africa to becoming a cornerstone at Baylor—and back again to claim his first ITF title—he has shown that greatness goes beyond just rankings. It is deeply rooted in character and integrity.

His story is far from over. With a loving community supporting him and a promising tennis future ahead, Devin is a rising figure to watch on every front. As he continues to evolve both as an athlete and an individual, there is little doubt that the world will hear much more from this extraordinary young man.