Esther Vergeer 'overwhelmed' by Hall of Fame honorary membership

On Saturday, Esther Vergeer, the tournament director of the wheelchair event in Rotterdam Ahoy, first supervised the successful outcome of the project she built from the ground. A new women’s wheelchair tournament was successfully held for the first time in Ahoy, and its final was played for all to see on Centre court. It was on the same court that Vergeer was the centre of attention moments later. She received an emotional tribute in honour of her admission into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the third Dutch person ever.

As a Hall of Famer, she will join an illustrious group of 262 tennis greats from 27 countries, who have made great contributions to their sport. She will be honoured at an annual celebration in Newport (USA) on July 22nd later this year. Other members: André Agassi, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Kim Clijsters, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova. "I got a call about it in December. A number from the US, who is that, I thought? And when I heard, I was overwhelmed", said Vergeer who had to keep it a secret until yesterday afternoon.

The winner of 21 Grand Slam titles, thirteen world championships and eight Olympic medals (in singles alone) now shares the honour with two other Dutch wheelchair tennis icons who preceded her, Chantal Vandierendonck and Monique Kalkman. Even Richard Krajicek, the only Dutch Wimbledon champion and tournament director at Rotterdam Ahoy for twenty years, is yet to be distinguished by this prestigious membership. Yesterday he had the honour of paying tribute to Vergeer. "There is no greater honour in tennis than being inducted into the Hall of Fame," he said proudly. "Being part of tennis history in this way is the greatest compliment you can get," replied Vergeer.

American Rick Draney (61) was also honoured with Esther Vergeer for his induction in the Hall of Fame. Many years ago, Draney ruled the 'quad’ category of wheelchair tennis. In 'quad', athletes are not only hindered by leg limitations, but also in their arms and hands. For several years now, Draney has worked to promote this sport and put it on the map as a tournament organiser.