The ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, traditionally the first ATP Tour event of the year to integrate a UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour tournament, has today announced that in 2023 it will introduce a women’s wheelchair tennis event alongside its men’s wheelchair tennis event.

The ITF 1 Series men’s wheelchair tournament has become an established part of the ATP Tour 500 event since making its debut in 2009, with 13-time ITF World Champion Esther Vergeer as tournament director.

The Rotterdam showpiece celebrates its 50th edition in 2023, when it will also be the 15th edition of the wheelchair tennis tournament.

Sander Bestevaar of ABN AMRO: “This is an important step in the development of women’s wheelchair tennis, propelling us faster down the path towards equal opportunities.”

With great pride we introduce women’s wheelchair tennis to our @abnamroopen next year! 🎾🙏 #proud #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/SshHCC07E8

— Esther Vergeer (@EstherVergeer) October 19, 2022

ABN AMRO supports equal ambition, which also reflects the principles of the ITF’s Advantage All gender equality strategy. For these reasons, a wheelchair tennis tournament for women is being integrated into the world’s largest indoor tennis tournament.

“It’s fantastic that there will be a women’s wheelchair tennis tournament,” said seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Vergeer. “We have so many strong female players in the Netherlands. Diede de Groot is the current number 1 in the world rankings. It’s brilliant that we can give her a place to shine in our own country. The ABN AMRO Open is once again leading the way by offering men and women equal opportunities. Hopefully others will follow suit.”