Diede de Groot, a Dutch wheelchair tennis player, made history at Wimbledon by securing her 15th consecutive Grand Slam title. In the women’s wheelchair final, she defeated her compatriot Aniek van Koot with a score of 6-4, 6-4 on the prestigious No. 1 Court. This victory marked her sixth singles trophy at the All England Club, solidifying her as a dominant force in the sport. De Groot’s performance extended her record streak of consecutive major titles to 15, with her overall tally now standing at 23 — a feat that has never been achieved before.
Since winning the 2020 US Open, De Groot has been unstoppable, clinching victory after victory at every Grand Slam tournament. Alongside her impressive singles record, she also boasts 19 major doubles titles, showcasing her versatility and skill on the court. The Dutch athlete reflected on the progress of wheelchair tennis over the years, noting the increased support and recognition for the sport. In just seven years, De Groot has witnessed a significant shift in audience engagement, recalling her humble beginnings playing in front of only a handful of fans on Court 3 during her first Wimbledon title in 2017.
Expressing her gratitude towards the fans and spectators at Wimbledon, De Groot acknowledged the overwhelming support she received during the final match on Court 1. The energy and enthusiasm from the crowd fueled her performance, as she felt a wave of encouragement and cheers throughout the game. She thanked the audience for their unwavering support and passion for wheelchair tennis, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and visibility for athletes with disabilities in the sport. De Groot’s victory not only solidifies her place in tennis history but also serves as a reminder of the remarkable talent and determination present in wheelchair tennis.
In the quad wheelchair doubles final, the top-seeded Dutch pair of Sam Schroeder and Niels Vink emerged victorious against the British-Israeli duo of Andy Lapthorne and Guy Sasson. The intense battle saw Schroeder and Vink claim their third consecutive Wimbledon title, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill on the court. The competition in the quad division was fierce, with each team displaying incredible athleticism and sportsmanship throughout the match. The victory for Schroeder and Vink cements their status as top contenders in quad wheelchair tennis, further highlighting the depth of talent and competition in the sport.
Overall, De Groot’s dominance at Wimbledon and the impressive performance of the quad wheelchair doubles finalists demonstrate the unparalleled skill and determination of wheelchair tennis players. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and recognition, athletes like De Groot and her counterparts pave the way for greater inclusivity and respect within the tennis community.