The worlds best wheelchair tennis player ever Esther Vergeer, was was the number one wheelchair tennis player from 1999 until her retirement in 2013. Now, she says she’s putting all of her energy toward getting healthy after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Vergeer was undefeated in the final ten years of her career, with a winning streak of 470 matches.
Read More
“I have some bad news: I am diagnosed with breast cancer,” she wrote in a tweet to let the public know about her diagnosis. And she’s approaching the diagnosis with her signature determination. “Full focus will be on the treatment and healing of the cancer. Full of positive energy and with the support of my family, friends and colleagues, I will go for it. I am sure I will get through this!”I have some bad news: I am diagnosed with breast cancer. The full focus will be on the treatment and healing of the cancer. Full of positive energy and with the support of my family, friends and colleagues, I will go for it. I am sure I will get through this! #NEVERgiveup
Esther Vergeer (@EstherVergeer) January 22, 2020
The tweet has received a huge amount of love, including a post from the Paralympics, “We’re so sorry to hear this Ester. The whole Paralympic family is behind you, sending lots of love and strength during this difficult time.”
British Paralympic Association Director of Sport Penny Briscoe also wrote a personal tweet to the tennis star, “So sorry to hear this Esther. Everyone at ParalympicsGB is sending love and best wishes. We are right behind you my friend and know you will fight this dreadful illness every step of the way”
The Esther Vergeer Foundation
Vergeer’s Esther Vergeer Foundation provides opportunities for children with physical disabilities to participate in sport, according to the foundation website. The program promises children an accessible place to participate in sports, sport wheelchairs, well-trained trainers, and a program that allows players to play at any level.
For many people with physical disabilities, daily exercise is not at all a given, the website states. The foundation hopes to bring exercise and participation to that community.
The foundation operates on the principal “that children with physical disabilities through sport not only strengthen physically and mentally, but also become more independent and self-reliant.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
