Dutch pioneers recognised in Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions | ITF
Article 16 Feb 2026

Dutch pioneers recognised in Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions

Charlotte Lockie

16 Feb 2026

The ITF welcomed the latest inductees into the Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions at the ABN AMRO Open Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Launched earlier this year, the Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions is a digital platform recognising players, coaches, and contributors who have made a lasting impact on the sport.

The latest inductees highlighted the significant contributions of Dutch wheelchair tennis figures. Additional inductees will be announced throughout 2026 and annually thereafter.

The induction ceremony was hosted by ITF President David Haggerty and celebrated the following individuals for their dedication, achievements, and lasting influence on wheelchair tennis:

Dutch Inductees: Players

  • Robin Ammerlaan – Six-time Wheelchair Tennis Masters singles champion, year-end No.1 and ITF World Champion in 2006, three-time Paralympic medallist with a singles gold in Athens 2004, and seven-time World Team Cup winner.
  • Korie Homan - Paralympic doubles gold medallist (2008) and singles silver medallist, and part of a historic Grand Slam in doubles with Esther Vergeer in 2009, completing a career Golden Slam in doubles.
  • Monique Kalkman - Pioneer of women’s wheelchair tennis; four-time ITF World Champion, five-time Paralympic medallist (three gold medals), multiple World Team Cup titles, and recipient of the 2012 Brad Parks Award.
  • Ricky Molier - Paralympic singles gold medallist (Atlanta 1996) and doubles gold medallist (Sydney 2000), a leading figure in shaping the early years of the sport.
  • Maaike Smit - Two-time Paralympic doubles gold medallist, 1996 singles gold medallist, and four-time year-end Doubles Masters champion.
  • Chantal Vandierendonck - Trailblazer in women’s wheelchair tennis, three-time ITF World Champion, five-time Paralympic medallist (including three golds), multiple World Team Cup titles, and 2010 Brad Parks Award recipient.
  • Esther Vergeer - Widely regarded as the greatest female wheelchair tennis player; twelve-time year-end World Champion, four consecutive Paralympic singles golds, and 470-match unbeaten streak. Brad Parks Award recipient in 2016 and tireless ambassador for the sport through the Esther Vergeer Foundation.

Dutch Inductees: Contributors

  • The Cruyff Foundation - Partner since 2002, supporting global wheelchair tennis development, including national and international junior camps, Junior Masters, and World Team Cup initiatives.
  • Amanda Hopmans - Former WTA player and coach of Diede de Groot; twice named Wheelchair Tennis Coach of the Year and former national coach of the KNLTB.
  • Christo Kok – Long-serving member of the wheelchair tennis committee, contributing to the sport’s governance and growth.
  • John Noakes – Co-founder of the International Wheelchair Tennis Federation and driving force behind wheelchair tennis being showcased at the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games.
  • Aad Zwaan – Highly respected coach with decades of impact, former KNLTB national coach, mentor to Dutch champions, and international ambassador.
  • KNLBT – The first national tennis federation to fully embrace wheelchair tennis, setting a benchmark for inclusive development worldwide.

In Memoriam

Ruurd de Boer – Former KNLBT President and ITF Board Member, instrumental in shaping Dutch wheelchair tennis and guiding its growth nationally and internationally.

Hans Juergen Striek – Coach of Niels Vink and mentor to many Dutch players, leaving a lasting impact of on the development and competitiveness of wheelchair tennis in the Netherlands.

The current list of the 2026 Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions inductees can be found on the dedicated Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions page here.