The Netherlands dominate women’s Wheelchair Tennis. Having won silver and gold in singles and doubles in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Dutch women were also the best in London 2012. Under the command of Esther Vergeer, four times Paralympic champion in singles (from 2000 to 2012) and holder of four medals in doubles (gold in 2000, 2004 and 2012 and silver in 2008), the Dutch maintain their dominance over the sport and new talents arise at every Games edition.

In London, Vergeer defeated 22 year-old Aniek van Koot in the final. Earlier this year, after reaching all possible apexes on the Tennis court, she prematurely ended her career in order to dedicate herself exclusively to another mission: helping young people with disabilities and promoting the Paralympic values that include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

“My time as an athlete was great. Being able to play sports, being active, being competitive, getting the best out of myself was so nice. I have found out who I was and what I was able to do. Focus on my abilities instead of my disabilities. And now creating a place in society, where I feel myself happy and comfortable. Giving back to the people that have given me so much”, the 31 year-old former athlete told rio2016.com website in an exclusive interview.

At present, the greatest Wheelchair Tennis player of all times, with the incredible mark of 700 victories and 25 defeats, besides 148 titles, focuses upon the Esther Vergeer Foundation. Organising sporting activities and making sports for children and young people with disabilities possible are some of her goals.

“We must make the world aware of the urgency and relevance of sports for everybody. In particular the positive effect on their health, social development and inclusion in society”, Vergeer said. She has not been to Rio de Janeiro yet. “I am hoping that I will be there in 2016. I really hope I can do something for the athletes that will compete in the Games”.

If Vergeer will contribute, a lot, in the next edition of the Olympic Games outside the Tennis courts, young Aniek van Koot will be able to show her talent on them. In London, she made her Olympic début and only keeps fond memories of what she called the most exciting, emotional and exceptionally beautiful competition.

“It will be hard to beat the incredible atmosphere at the London Games, but I'm sure the Brazilians have that extra vibe. They will give an extra 200%. I wish Brazil all the best in getting ready for 2016”, van Koot said. She keeps the silver medal she won in London at her parents’ home and last Christmas she hung it on top of the tree placed in the middle of her family’s living room. “I thought: this is the best decoration you could ever hang on your tree, Aniek”.

Natália debuted in Paralympics at 18 and sees more investment in sport to achieve her dream: to play in Rio 2016™ (Photo: Personnal archive)

Natália Mayara is Brazil’s new hope

Although Brazil dominates the podium of various Paralympic sports, the search for its first Wheelchair Tennis medal continues. In London, young Natália Mayara became the first woman to represent the country in an edition of the Games but facing the world’s number 3, Dutch Jiske Griffioen already in her first match was a bad omen.

“I was defeated 6/2 and 6/0, I gave it my all and I was very pleased with my performance. It was a huge responsibility. I represented my country with a clear conscience”, Natália said. She is 19 years old and has the whole future ahead of her. “The Dutch still hold the first world ranking positions as they have what it takes for a great performance such as good Tennis courts, physiotherapists, nutritionists, exclusive coaches and equipment, besides talent of course. And all this makes them the best”.

The Tennis player, from the State of Pernambuco, has been living in Brasília since she suffered a serious accident as a child, when she was hit by a bus and had her lower limbs amputated. In 2013, she has already won three titles (in Chile, Brasília and New York) and keeps training in order to fulfil her dream: be the first Brazilian woman on the Paralympic Games podium for Wheelchair Tennis.

“I hope to reach my goals and bring this joy to all those who believe in me, through a lot of training and dedication. Today I receive assistance from Time São Paulo and Smart, a company specialised in wheelchairs, that grant me Tennis as well as personal equipment, besides maintenance”, said the Esther Vergeer fan. “I have even faced Esther on the Tennis court. She is consistent, focused and strong. She also has impeccable strategy. All this makes her invincible. She inspires me and one day I hope to get to that same level”.