Esther Vergeer, a prominent Dutch wheelchair tennis player, has received this year’s ITF Philippe Chatrier Award for her contributions to the sport.
The International Tennis Federation announced that the award ceremony will take place on Sunday at London’s Natural History Museum.
Named after the former president of the ITF, the Philippe Chatrier Award has been presented since 1996 and is considered the highest honor for services to tennis by the governing body.
Vergeer has achieved remarkable success in her career, securing seven Paralympic gold medals and winning 21 Grand Slam wheelchair singles titles.
“Tennis has given me so much, and I will always strive to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, gender, or disability—can enjoy its many benefits in the years ahead,” Vergeer stated.
She also expressed gratitude to the ITF for its significant role in the growth of wheelchair tennis and emphasized how meaningful it is for her to receive this recognition from them.
Previous recipients of the ITF Philippe Chatrier Award include tennis legends such as Justine Henin, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Rod Laver, and Martina Navratilova.