Diede de Groot: Breaking Barriers and Dominating Tennis with Unwavering Determination

It's impressive to defeat the top competitors. However, becoming the top contender yourself is a whole new challenge. It's about transitioning from being the one chasing after success to being the one everyone else is chasing after - and this transformation doesn't happen overnight, in a month, or even in a few years.

Wheelchair tennis player Diede de Groot has been the dominant constant in the face of challenges. Moreover, she has maintained this position over a prolonged period, despite ever-changing competitors, landscapes, and the passing of time and physical changes.

‘Diede the Great’

“I feel a very big target on my back which is what keeps me motivated,” De Groot told CNN ahead of the French Open.

It's exciting and intense to see these girls striving to outperform me. They approach the game without feeling any pressure, while I feel the weight of maintaining my winning streak.

I focus on playing tennis and try to ignore all the distractions. In a world filled with all kinds of statistics, De Groot's numbers are truly impressive.

She is the first tennis player – wheelchair or able-bodied – ever to win three successive calendar grand slams.

Diede De Groot is one of the most decorated tennis players of all time.

Diede De Groot is one of the most decorated tennis players of all time.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

She made history in 2021 as the first female wheelchair tennis player to win the Golden Slam, which includes all four grand slams and a Paralympic gold medal.

Since the 2021 Australian Open, De Groot has remained undefeated in grand slam tournaments, with a remarkable winning streak of over 130 matches.

One might find it difficult to argue against the 27-year-old using the bold and fitting social media handle @DiedetheGreat, considering the facts and figures.

She explains with a smile, "I felt too modest to go with Diede the Great."

I had to think of a different last name because "Groot" was already taken. The literal translation of "Groot" is "great," so that's how I came up with it.

I don't really think about records during the year, especially in tennis. With tournaments happening continuously, it's hard to take a moment to reflect.

“But when I’m just at home sitting, thinking of the amazing things that I’ve already done to this point, I’m very proud of myself.”

Wall of Champions

Ever wondered about the key to the Dutch star's success?

Reflecting on her game, De Groot shared, "I may not have the most powerful serve or the biggest forehand. I believe my strength lies in being proficient in all aspects of the game. I consider myself a well-rounded player."

“I don’t really have a weak point and that’s very difficult for opponents to, to play against.”

De Groot's current winning streak has surpassed 130 matches.

De Groot's current winning streak has surpassed 130 matches.

Frank Franklin II/AP

De Groot has won a total of 21 grand slam singles titles so far. Her most recent win at the Australian Open this year was not just her 13th consecutive victory, but it also brought her level with Esther Vergeer's grand slam record.

Vergeer won her 21st and final major title at Roland Garros in 2012.

De Groot is still working towards matching her compatriot's incredible 470-match unbeaten streak. This year at the French Open, she has the opportunity to become the most successful women's wheelchair tennis player of all time.

Victory in Paris would consolidate De Groot’s position as third in the all-time list of overall grand slam champions across singles and doubles.

The 27-year-old’s current tally stands at 39.

Vergeer ended her career with 42 titles, which is second only to Japan’s Shingo Kunieda, who recently retired as the most decorated men’s player in wheelchair tennis history with 50 majors.

A hotbed of talent.

De Groot's successful career, as well as Vergeer's, can be credited to the Dutch tennis system, in addition to their technical skills. This system enables wheelchair tennis to blend with players who are not disabled, a tactic that has proven to be highly effective.

De Groot won her 13th grand slam in a row at the Australian Open.

De Groot won her 13th grand slam in a row at the Australian Open.

De Groot, who was born with unequal leg length, shared, "I started wheelchair tennis when I was seven years old. I had a few operations done on my hip, and the rehabilitation center suggested trying tennis. I decided to give it a try, and I immediately fell in love with the sport."

Having the ability to play tennis just like the rest of the kids in the group made me feel really special.

We are completely involved in the KNLTB program and treated like athletes, which helps us take ourselves seriously.

The National Tennis Centre of KNLT in Amstelveen has a total of 28 courts, 14 outdoor and 14 indoor, all designed for wheelchair tennis players.

According to De Groot, wheelchair tennis was a major Paralympic sport in the Netherlands two decades ago.

We were fortunate to have a top gold medalist like Vergeer as our number one player in the sport. Despite being a small country, we had the chance to watch each other compete.

Learning from those who came before me was crucial. By observing the women who paved the way, I was able to closely study their techniques and strive to improve upon them.

De Groot and Vergeer both come from the historic Dutch city of Woerden, known for producing some of the greatest players from The Netherlands. Is there something unique in the waters of Woerden?

"We lived very close to each other, which is actually quite special," De Groot shares.

“Another world number one – Jiske Griffioen – also comes from there. So, it’s just a coincidence … but it’s a funny coincidence!”

De Groot has won a total of 39 grand slam titles.

De Groot has won a total of 39 grand slam titles.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

‘We are being noticed’

Wheelchair tennis events are now gradually being incorporated into a growing number of ATP and WTA events.

The Miami Open recently held its inaugural wheelchair event, while Wimbledon has revealed plans to increase the size of the wheelchair draws for the upcoming summer tournament.

Reflecting on the significance of the Paralympics, De Groot mentioned that historically, it was a time when all eyes were on the athletes in wheelchairs, without having to share the spotlight with able-bodied athletes.

For the next four years, we were not in the spotlight much. But now, I can see that the players are finally paying attention to us. They are acknowledging us and engaging with us more.

I watched Jannik Sinner playing with our top player Alfie Hewitt in Miami. Novak has also promoted with Dylan Alcott before, so I hope to see more of these moments in the future.

“Countries are developing their programs and players are developing their games. It’s a really fun time to be a wheelchair tennis player.”

De Groot has noticed a recent improvement in visibility for wheelchair players.

De Groot has noticed a recent improvement in visibility for wheelchair players.

Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Paris 2024

When it came to the Covid-impacted Tokyo Games, the Dutch star had an unprecedented weight of history of her shoulders.

Dutch women have dominated wheelchair tennis for the past 32 years, winning every singles and doubles title since it became a medal event. De Groot, in particular, achieved a remarkable feat by claiming both singles and doubles gold medals without losing a set in either competition.

It remains one of the defining moments of her career.

“For a long time, a lot of people ask me that without gold, your career wouldn’t be complete. I never thought about it that way.

Winning gold in Tokyo felt like a culmination of my years of hard work. It sparked something within me and brought about many positive changes.

The Dutch phenom is set to defend her titles on the clay courts of Roland Garros this summer at Paris 2024.

She is excited about the challenge ahead, especially considering her impressive history in Paris, where she has won a total of nine grand slam titles. It would be a bold move to bet against her.

"It's going to be a unique Paralympics," she comments.

De Groot won singles and doubles gold in Tokyo without dropping a set.

De Groot won singles and doubles gold in Tokyo without dropping a set.

I played in Rio when I was new there. Then, I played in Tokyo where no one could come watch, and I felt a lot of pressure. Now, I am a defending champion with everyone watching.

"It will mean everything to defend the titles. It's the goal that I'm aiming at. I still have many tournaments before, so my head is not yet there, but it will be and I'm going to enjoy it."

Editor's P/S:

Diede de Groot's journey to becoming a dominant force in wheelchair tennis is an inspiring tale of perseverance, determination, and resilience. Her ability to maintain her position at the top despite constant challenges and the evolution of the sport is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering focus. Diede's success has not only brought glory to herself but also elevated the profile of wheelchair tennis, paving the way for greater recognition and opportunities for future generations of players.

The article highlights the significance of the Dutch tennis system in fostering Diede's talent, emphasizing the integration of wheelchair tennis with able-bodied players. This approach has created a supportive environment where wheelchair tennis players can develop their skills and compete on an equal footing. Diede's journey also sheds light on the growing visibility of wheelchair tennis on the global stage, with events being incorporated into prestigious tournaments like the Miami Open and Wimbledon. This increased recognition not only raises the profile of the sport but also inspires and empowers wheelchair tennis players around the world.