Vergeer wins 429th consecutive match
Esther Vergeer, 30, of the Netherlands, won her 429th consecutive singles match today at the US Open, defeating fellow Netherlands native Aniek Van Koot, 6-2, 6-1. Vergeer has become one of the most successful wheelchair tennis players in history, first hitting world No. 1 in 1999. She has not lost one singles wheelchair tennis match since January 2003 and won her 19th consecutive Grand Slam singles title (and sixth US Open) today.
Vergeer’s post-match quotes
On how she played today: “I am happy with the result. Today, I was confident, even though I didn’t feel as strong as the past two years. Aniek definitely came out tough.”
On the atmosphere of the US Open: “I enjoy the environment here. The fans are incomparable to any other Grand Slam. There were so many people watching this week and it was great. If there are a lot of people enjoying the game and cheering at the right time, it makes me feel good.”
On the tennis player who inspires her: “The best example for me is Roger Federer—his attitude, his calmness, his way of playing. Even though he lost yesterday, he still had a great attitude. He is an inspiration.”
The message she wants to send to other people: “There are things in life you don’t plan for and that come unexpectedly. But, it is all about how you deal with that. You are the one that can make something out of your life.”
Esther Vergeer Quick Facts
CAREER SINGLES RECORD: Singles: 651-25
Esther Vergeer has won:
— 429 consecutive matches — 110 straight tournaments — 11 ITF World Champion titles — Five Paralympic gold medals (three singles and two doubles) — Six US Opens
American David Wagner captured the quad singles title today, defeating Peter Norfolk, 7-5, 3-1, ret. Wagner won his first Grand Slam title last year by capturing the US Open and also won the Australian Open this year. During Wagner’s match, Venus Williams stopped by to catch the action. After his win, Wagner told the crowd that he is proud to be an American and competed for his country today on the 10th anniversary of September 11. Wagner and fellow American Nick Taylor won the quad doubles title yesterday.
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