International Tennis Hall of Fame 2023 inductee Esther Vergeer has also been awarded the Philippe Chatrier Award. GETTY IMAGES

Dutch wheelchair tennis star Esther Vergeer has been awarded this year’s International Tennis Federation Philippe Chatrier Award at the ITF World Champions Awards at the Natural History Museum in London on Sunday. Vergeer is a seven-time Paralympic gold medallist and 21-time Grand Slam wheelchair singles champion and is often referred to as the most dominant player in wheelchair tennis history.

The Philippe Chatrier Award is named after the ITF’s former president and has been given out since 1996 as the governing body’s highest award for services to tennis.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that the ITF Board of Directors has chosen Esther Vergeer as the winner of this year’s ITF Philippe Chatrier Award. She is recognised as one of the most exceptional athletes of her time, achieving an unparalleled seven Paralympic gold medals, 44 Grand Slam titles, and an extraordinary streak of 470 consecutive match victories. Esther's dedication and contributions to the sport extend far beyond her playing days. Through her foundation, she has tirelessly supported young athletes with disabilities and championed inclusivity in sports. Her legacy is not only defined by her remarkable achievements but also by the ongoing inspiration she provides to athletes worldwide," David Haggerty, ITF President said.



Vergeer’s journey began at eight after surgery for a spinal defect and brain haemorrhage left her paralysed. She made her Paralympic debut in wheelchair tennis at Sydney 2000, winning gold in singles and doubles. She went on to win seven Paralympic golds, including four consecutive singles gold medals from Sydney to London 2012.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee dominated what is now the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour: securing 169 singles titles and 136 doubles titles over 17 years. She held the world No. 1 ranking from October 2000 to January 2013 and built a 470-match winning streak which lasted until her 2012 retirement. Her tournament victories included 21 Grand Slam singles, 23 Grand Slam doubles titles, and winning the year-end NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters 14 times.

Post-retirement, Vergeer advocates for wheelchair tennis through her foundation, established in 2004. She has been the Tournament Director of the wheelchair event at the ABM Amro ATP men’s tournament in Rotterdam since 2009 and introduced a women’s event there in 2023. Vergeer currently serves on the Dutch Paralympic delegation and the Dutch Sports Council.


Esther Vergeer competes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games where she became became the most decorated Wheelchair tennis player in the history of the Games. GETTY IMAGES
Esther Vergeer competes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games where she became became the most decorated Wheelchair tennis player in the history of the Games. GETTY IMAGES


"To be given this award is a huge honour, and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the ITF for choosing me to receive it at their prestigious World Champions Awards event. Throughout my career as a player and since retirement, hard work, integrity and a passion to help others have always driven me to succeed. Tennis has given me so much and I will always work hard to make sure that everyone – regardless of age, gender, or disability – can enjoy its many benefits for years to come. The ITF has made a significant contribution to the continued growth of wheelchair tennis, so it is very special for me to receive this recognition from them," Vergeer reacted to receiving the award.