Dutch wheelchair tennis champion Esther Vergeer has been honored with the ITF Philippe Chatrier Award this year for her remarkable contributions to the sport. The award ceremony will take place at London’s Natural History Museum this Sunday. Instituted in 1996, the Philippe Chatrier Award, named after the former president of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is presented as the highest recognition for services to tennis by the governing body.
Vergeer, who holds an impressive record of seven Paralympic gold medals and 21 Grand Slam wheelchair singles titles, expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgment. In a statement, she mentioned her dedication to ensuring that tennis remains accessible to everyone, irrespective of age, gender, or physical challenges. Vergeer also commended the ITF for its significant role in advancing wheelchair tennis and highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the sport.
Esteemed tennis personalities like Justine Henin, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Rod Laver, and Martina Navratilova have been previous recipients of the ITF Philippe Chatrier Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the sport.
