1. Early Life
Esther Vergeer's early life was marked by significant health challenges that ultimately led to her physical disability. She was born in Woerden, Netherlands.
1.1. Illness and Onset of Disability
At the age of six, after a swimming lesson, Vergeer experienced dizziness and subsequently lost consciousness. She was admitted to a hospital, where doctors discovered a buildup of fluids in her brain and a brain hemorrhage. A shunt was surgically placed in her brain, and she was discharged six weeks later. However, in June 1989, she began experiencing severe headaches, pressure behind her eyes, and neck pain. Despite initial investigations, doctors found no cause. By October of the same year, Vergeer started complaining of pain around her groin area, and during the holiday season, she suffered a stroke, necessitating another shunt placement in her brain. Ultimately, medical professionals identified vascular myelopathy around her spinal cord, an abnormality that caused the strokes she endured. On January 15, 1990, she underwent a nine-hour operation, which unfortunately left her unable to move her legs. A final operation in March did not restore movement, leaving Vergeer permanently paralyzed.
1.2. Introduction to Sports
During her rehabilitation period, Vergeer was introduced to various adaptive sports, including wheelchair volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis. She initially focused on wheelchair basketball, playing at a club level for several years. Her talent led to an invitation to join the Dutch national wheelchair basketball team. As a member of the national team, she achieved significant success, helping the Dutch team win the European Championship in 1997. While she excelled in team sports, Vergeer was drawn to the individual nature of wheelchair tennis, a sport she began playing at the age of 12.
2. Wheelchair Tennis Career
Esther Vergeer's professional wheelchair tennis journey is defined by her extraordinary achievements and her unparalleled dominance, which solidified her status as a legendary figure in sports.
2.1. Early Career and Rise to World No. 1 (1995-2004)
Vergeer began her international wheelchair tennis career in 1995. In the 1996 season, she secured her first singles title in Tilburg and reached the final of another tournament in Melin. She also won the A draw in Utrecht and the consolation draw in Nottingham. In 1997, she continued to show promise by winning consolation singles draws in Antony and Geneva and reaching a final in Jambes. Her burgeoning success gained wider recognition, leading to a photo feature in the November 26, 1998, issue of Tennis Week.
In 1998, Vergeer won a major title, the US Open, signaling her arrival on the world stage. She first ascended to the world No. 1 ranking on April 6, 1999. At the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney, Vergeer showcased her burgeoning talent by winning the gold medal in women's singles without losing a single set throughout the tournament. She also secured the doubles gold medal with her partner, Maaike Smit. Vergeer further cemented her status by winning the Wheelchair Tennis Masters in 1998. The 2003 season saw her contribute to the Dutch team's sixteenth World Team Cup victory, defeating the United States in the final. She also claimed a singles title in Nottingham that year. In 2004, Vergeer continued her winning ways, capturing singles titles in Boca Raton and Nottingham.
2.2. Unprecedented Dominance and Winning Streak (2005-2013)
The period from 2005 to her retirement in 2013 marked Vergeer's era of absolute dominance, characterized by an unprecedented 470-match winning streak. Her last singles defeat occurred on January 30, 2003, at the Sydney International against Australia's Daniela di Toro. Following this, she embarked on a decade-long unbeaten run. Over the course of this streak, Vergeer won 120 consecutive tournaments, defeated 73 different opponents, and achieved a "double bagel" score (winning 6-0, 6-0) in 95 matches. Notably, she lost only 18 sets during this period and faced a match point only once, against Korie Homan in the final of the women's singles event at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
In 2006, Vergeer won singles titles in Nottingham, Atlanta, and San Diego. In San Diego, Homan pushed her to three sets, marking the first set Vergeer had lost since August 2004. She also secured the Masters singles title. In doubles, she partnered with Jiske Griffioen to win titles in Nottingham, Atlanta, and San Diego, also claiming the Masters doubles title.
The 2007 season was particularly outstanding as Vergeer completed the first women's wheelchair tennis Grand Slam, winning all available major titles in Melbourne, Paris, and New York. She also amassed singles titles in Sydney, Boca Raton, Cajun, Japan, Paris, Amsterdam, Jambes, Nottingham, Utrecht, Atlanta, and San Diego. Her victory at Roland Garros in 2007 marked her 250th consecutive singles win. She concluded the year by capturing her tenth Masters title and being named the ITF World Champion. In doubles, she won titles with Griffioen in Sydney, Boca Raton, Japan, Paris, Nottingham, and San Diego, and they also won the Masters. She also achieved a Grand Slam in doubles, winning the Australian and US Opens with Griffioen, and Roland Garros with Smit. She also won two other titles with Florence Gravellier in Cajun and Aniek van Koot in Jambes, and was part of the winning World Team Cup team.

In 2008, Vergeer continued her dominance, winning both available Grand Slam singles titles (Australian and French Opens) with Griffioen. She also secured singles titles in Sydney, Pensacola, Boca Raton, Fukuoka, Paris, Jambes, Nottingham, and Utrecht. At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, she saved two match points against Korie Homan in the singles final, ultimately winning her third consecutive Paralympic singles gold medal and preserving her winning streak. She went on to defeat Homan again in the Masters final, securing her eleventh Masters crown. In doubles, she and Griffioen won in Pensacola, Boca Raton, Fukuoka, Paris, Nottingham, and Utrecht, though their Sydney final was unplayed due to rain. The pair experienced only their second loss as a partnership at the Beijing Paralympics, where they earned a silver medal. However, they concluded the year strongly by winning the Masters doubles title. Vergeer finished 2008 as the world No. 1 and was named ITF World Champion. The Dutch team also won the World Team Cup.
Vergeer completed another Grand Slam in 2009, winning the Australian, French, and US Opens. She also won singles titles in Nottingham, Utrecht, and St. Louis. She claimed her twelfth Masters title after overcoming a deficit in the final against Homan. In December, she celebrated a decade at the No. 1 position and was named the 2009 World Champion. In doubles, partnering with Homan, she achieved another Grand Slam, winning all four majors. They also won doubles titles in Nottingham and at the Masters. Vergeer also reached the doubles final in Utrecht with Smit. The Dutch team won the World Team Cup again.
In 2010, Vergeer won the French Open and US Open singles titles. She also secured victories in Nottingham and St. Louis. She capped the year by winning the Masters title, which marked her 400th consecutive match win, and retained her world No. 1 ranking. In doubles, she competed solely in the Grand Slams, finishing as runner-up at Roland Garros with Sharon Walraven, but securing wins at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Vergeer continued her remarkable performance in 2011, winning the singles Grand Slam once more. She also added titles in Pensacola, Boca Raton, Nottingham, and St. Louis, culminating in another Masters title. She ended the year as the world No. 1 for the twelfth consecutive year, having won eight singles titles. In doubles, partnering with Walraven, she achieved the Grand Slam for the third time, notably recovering from a 5-2 deficit in the final set at Wimbledon and a 6-1 tie-break deficit in the second set at the US Open. They were runners-up in Boca Raton and won the Masters doubles title. The Netherlands also scored a double at the ITF World Team Cup.
In her final competitive year, 2012, Vergeer won numerous singles titles, including Melbourne, Sydney, the Australian Open, Pensacola, Boca Raton, Eton Manor, Roland Garros, Geneva, and Nottingham. At the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, Vergeer solidified her legacy by becoming the most decorated wheelchair tennis player in the history of the Games. She won her fourth consecutive Paralympic singles gold medal and added a doubles gold with Marjolein Buis. In doubles, she won the Australian Open with Walraven, as well as titles in Boca Raton and Roland Garros. She also reunited with Maaike Smit to win their first title together since 2007 in Geneva. Additionally, she was a runner-up in Pensacola with Walraven and won titles at Wimbledon and Nottingham.
3. Major Achievements and Accolades
Esther Vergeer's career was marked by an extensive list of tournament wins and prestigious awards, cementing her status as a sporting icon.
3.1. Overall Tournament Wins
Throughout her professional career, Esther Vergeer amassed an incredible 169 singles titles and 136 doubles titles at international tournaments. Her overall singles record stands at 695 wins and 25 losses, while her doubles record is 441 wins and 35 losses.
In singles competitions, she won 21 Grand Slam titles, 14 year-end championships, and 4 Paralympic gold medals. In doubles, she shared 22 Grand Slam titles, 9 year-end championships, and 3 Paralympic gold medals. Furthermore, Vergeer was a pivotal member of the Dutch team that won the Wheelchair World Team Cup on 14 occasions.
3.2. Awards and Honors
Vergeer's unparalleled dominance and impact extended beyond the tennis court, earning her numerous prestigious awards and widespread recognition. She was nominated six times for the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, winning the esteemed award twice, in 2002 and 2008.
In 2023, her extraordinary contributions to the sport were recognized with her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring legacy.
In October 2010, Vergeer made a groundbreaking appearance by posing nude for ESPN The Magazines annual Body Issue. This marked a significant moment as she was the first disabled athlete ever to be featured in the magazine's iconic issue, challenging perceptions of beauty and athletic ability. In December 2010, CNN featured Vergeer for her remarkable 401-match winning streak, a segment that included congratulations from tennis legends like Roger Federer and Kim Clijsters, underscoring the respect and admiration she commanded from her peers.
4. Impact and Legacy
Esther Vergeer's career had a profound and lasting influence, not only on the sport of wheelchair tennis but also on broader societal perceptions of disability.
4.1. Impact on Wheelchair Tennis
Vergeer's unprecedented performance and prolonged dominance significantly raised the profile and perception of wheelchair tennis globally. Her consistent victories and the sheer scale of her winning streak captivated audiences and drew increased attention to the sport. By showcasing the highest level of athletic excellence, she demonstrated the intensity, skill, and excitement inherent in wheelchair tennis, helping to establish it as a legitimate and thrilling professional sport. Her achievements provided a benchmark for aspiring players and inspired greater investment and interest in the discipline.
4.2. Social Impact and Contributions
Beyond her athletic achievements, Vergeer actively engaged in efforts to promote disability awareness and inclusivity. She established a foundation dedicated to teaching wheelchair tennis to disabled children, providing them with opportunities to engage in sports and experience its numerous benefits. Her commitment to social service extended to advocating for the rights and capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Her appearance in ESPN The Magazines Body Issue was a powerful statement, challenging conventional notions of athleticism and disability and serving as an inspiring figure for people worldwide. She used her platform to highlight that disability does not equate to inability, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding society.
5. Retirement
Esther Vergeer officially retired from professional wheelchair tennis in February 2013, concluding a career of unparalleled success. Her final competitive appearance was at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in September 2012, where she fittingly won a gold medal in singles, extending her winning streak to 470 matches. Following her retirement, Vergeer has remained involved in sports and advocacy, dedicating her efforts to her foundation and other initiatives aimed at supporting disabled athletes and promoting disability awareness.
6. Career Statistics
Esther Vergeer's professional tennis career was marked by extraordinary statistics, reflecting her dominance across singles and doubles competitions.
6.1. Grand Slam Singles Performance
Tournament | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Career SR | Career Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Slam tournaments | |||||||||||||
Australian Open | Win | Win | Win | Absent | Win | Win | Win | Win | Absent | Win | Win | 9 / 9 | 100% |
French Open | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | 6 / 6 | 100% |
US Open | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Win | Win | Not Held | Win | Win | Win | Not Held | 6 / 6 | 100% |
Year-end championship | |||||||||||||
Wheelchair Tennis Masters | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | 14 / 14 | 100% | |
National representation | |||||||||||||
Paralympics | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | 4 / 4 | 100% |
6.2. Grand Slam Doubles Performance
Tournament | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Career SR | Career Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Slam tournaments | |||||||||||||
Australian Open | Final | Win | Win | Absent | Win | Win | Win | Win | Absent | Win | Win | 8 / 9 | 89% |
French Open | Win | Absent | Absent | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Final | Win | Win | 8 / 9 | 89% |
Wimbledon | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Win | Win | Semifinal | 3 / 4 | 75% |
US Open | Win | Win | Absent | Win | Win | Win | Not Held | Win | Win | Win | Not Held | 8 / 8 | 100% |
6.3. Paralympics and Masters Performance
Tournament | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | SR | Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheelchair Tennis Masters | |||||||||||||||||
Singles WTM | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | 14 / 14 | 100% | |
Doubles WTM | Not Held | Not Held | Final | Win | Win | Win | Lost in Qualifying | Win | Win | Win | Win | Win | Absent | Win | 9 / 11 | 82% | |
Paralympic Games | |||||||||||||||||
Singles | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | 4 / 4 | 100% |
Doubles | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Silver | Not Held | Not Held | Not Held | Win | 3 / 4 | 75% |