Do you know, or are you, a driven wheelchair tennis player between the ages of 12 and 18 with elite sporting ambitions? With the ABN AMRO Sports Scholarship, ABN AMRO supports the next generation of wheelchair tennis players on their journey to the top.

When you get the chance to start, you can move forward. Unfortunately, getting started is not a given for everyone for example, for young, ambitious wheelchair tennis players. They often face significantly higher costs on their path to the top.

A recently published study shows that these financial barriers can be substantial. That is why the ABN AMRO Sports Scholarship was created: a program that supports young wheelchair tennis players with financial resources, knowledge, and personal guidance from people such as Esther Vergeer and myself.

The Sports Scholarship has an important goal: creating more equal opportunities for talented athletes who deserve the chance to progress.

Applications for the ABN AMRO Sports Scholarship are open until March 27, 2026. Read more…

Klein begin. Groot effect.

The KNLTB has extended its ambassadorship with Diede de Groot for another year. The Paralympic champion and multiple Grand Slam winner will therefore remain a leading figure in Dutch tennis and a powerful source of inspiration for players at all levels in the coming year.

Since becoming an ambassador, De Groot has worked together with the KNLTB to strengthen tennis across the board and make the sport more inclusive. For years she has been regarded as one of the most dominant players in international wheelchair tennis. With multiple Paralympic titles, numerous Grand Slam victories, and a historic Golden Slam in singles, she has firmly established her name in the history of the sport. Her achievements not only impress on the court, but also contribute to the visibility and growth of tennis in the Netherlands.

An Inspiring Example For the KNLTB, De Groot is of great value as an ambassador. Not only because of her sporting success, but also because of her commitment to the development of the sport and her role as an inspiration for both young and old.

Jacco Eltingh, Director of Sport at the KNLTB: “Diede is an exceptional champion and at the same time a highly committed ambassador. She inspires with her achievements, but above all with her personality and her drive to make the sport more accessible and inclusive. We are extremely pleased that she will continue her partnership with the KNLTB next year and that together we can keep building the future of tennis in the Netherlands.”

Diede de Groot Academy: Creating Space for the Next Generation An important part of De Groot’s mission is the Diede de Groot Academy, launched in December. Through this initiative she supports young people with physical disabilities around the world through tennis. The Academy was founded from her desire to give something back to the sport that has given her so much.

Through clinics, programs, and international activities, the Academy focuses on creating equal opportunities, strengthening self-confidence, and promoting inclusion within sport. As De Groot herself says: everyone deserves the opportunity to move and have fun.

Building the Future Together With the extension of the ambassadorship, the KNLTB and Diede de Groot are once again joining forces to further grow tennis in the Netherlands—from grassroots participation to talent development.

Looking back on the past month, I can only feel grateful and proud. After a year away, it felt amazing to be back on Australian soil. Over the past weeks, I’ve been able to play many matches, which not only gave me valuable match rhythm but also new insights to keep growing.

Unfortunately, the final of the Australian Open didn’t go the way I had hoped. I didn’t play my best match and had to acknowledge my opponent’s superiority. Still, an overwhelmingly positive feeling remains. It gives me energy and definitely leaves me wanting more.

By now, I’m back on Dutch soil. Before heading off again for my next international trip, there’s something very special coming up here at home. As a newly appointed ABN AMRO ambassador, I will of course be competing at the ABN AMRO Open. A fantastic tournament on home soil.

I unfortunately missed playing in front of the Dutch crowd last year, but from February 7–15 it’s finally happening again. I’m really looking forward to being back out there and feeling that energy. On to the next step!

Photo: Frank Molter ITF

Last year I truly enjoyed my return to the court, as well as the launch of the Diede de Groot Academy.

With this Academy, I aim to give young wheelchair tennis players around the world the opportunity to grow, both in sport and as individuals. In this way, I can pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained, thanks to the support of so many.

Thank you for all the support and enthusiasm I have received again this year.

On to a year full of new energy!

The Diede de Groot Tennis Academy was officially launched this week with the first Junior Camp in Orlando! The Diede de Groot Academy supports young people with physical disabilities through wheelchair tennis around the world. This initiative arose from a desire to let more children experience the power of tennis, because Diede knows better than anyone what tennis can mean for children with disabilities.

With various programs, clinics, and activities, the Academy focuses on creating equal opportunities, boosting self-confidence, and promoting inclusion.

“For years, it has been my wish to give something back to the sport that has given me so much. With the Diede de Groot Academy, I want to make children feel that they can achieve anything, at their own pace and in their own way. Everyone deserves the space to move and have fun,” says Diede. The launch of the Academy is a sustainable step towards an inclusive sports world.

Tennis camp in Orlando
This week, the Diede de Groot Academy’s first project, the Junior Camp, took place in Orlando (US). Fifteen young people who are at the start of a top-level career in wheelchair tennis traveled to Orlando with their coach for this special program. The Junior Camp was made possible by the Cruyff Foundation, in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Diede de Groot, the greatest female wheelchair tennis player of the past decade, will compete in the ABN AMRO Open again in 2026. Winner of the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, she missed the last edition due to injury but is now back in action. The wheelchair tennis tournament for men and women is being held at Rotterdam Ahoy at the same time as the ATP 500 tournament. Diede de Groot is also the new ABN AMRO ambassador for equal opportunities and inclusion.

Tournament Director Esther Vergeer: “Having Diede de Groot join the ABN AMRO Open as both a competitor and ambassador is immensely valuable. Her achievements and personal story are an inspiration to everyone – not just within wheelchair tennis but beyond as well. This tournament is an exceptional and unique world-class event that celebrates the value of sport, providing the best tennis players with the perfect stage to excel. We aim to create a sports world where ambition and talent are given equal opportunities and the same platform.”

An inspiring story: small beginnings, big impact
Diede de Groot first discovered wheelchair tennis through a clinic organised by the Esther Vergeer Foundation. What began as one moment grew into an impressive career as she evolved into the world’s best female wheelchair tennis player. With Grand Slam titles, a gold medal at the Paralympic Games and countless other achievements, Diede inspires people all over the world.

As an ambassador, Diede will work to accelerate equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities. “ABN AMRO has promoted equal opportunities for many years. I am proud to be part of this mission and want to show, together, that sport is accessible to everyone. I’m also thrilled to be able to compete in the tournament again. Winning in 2023 and 2024 has left me hungry for more,” Diede de Groot observes.

Sander Bestevaar, Head of Partnerships, Events & Foundations at ABN AMRO:
“At ABN AMRO, we believe in equal opportunities for everyone with a drive who dares to begin. Diede de Groot is not only an extraordinary athlete, she’s also a strong ambassador for inclusion. We are proud to support her and work together towards a sports world where everyone has the same opportunities to participate and excel.” A new step towards changing the system
As the founder and organiser of the wheelchair tennis tournament, the bank integrated wheelchair tennis into the ABN AMRO Open in 2009. In 2023, the tournament expanded to include a women’s edition, allowing female wheelchair tennis players to compete at the highest level. It all takes place under one name and one roof, with all players provided with equal facilities, such as training courts, locker rooms, the players’ restaurant and accommodation at the Marriott players’ hotel.

ABN AMRO also works to raise awareness around equal opportunities. It has conducted research into the social value of sports for people with physical disabilities (Equal opportunities for athletes with a disability | ABN AMRO) and the media coverage of wheelchair tennis players (ABN AMRO study: wheelchair tennis in the media | ABN AMRO). These insights help break down barriers and build more positive perceptions around athletes with disabilities.

About the ABN AMRO Open
The ABN AMRO Open, held at Rotterdam Ahoy since 1974, is one of the biggest indoor tennis events in the world. The 53rd edition will take place from 7 to 15 February 2026. As well as top-tier tennis it also offers a unique mix of business opportunities, culinary experiences and social initiatives.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters will be held at
the Orange Bowl International Championships (11-14 December) for the first time.

As the premier season-ending championships for the world’s best junior wheelchair players,
the event has launched the careers of some of the sport’s biggest stars. Past champions
include Alfie Hewett, Tokito Oda, Diede de Groot, and Niels Vink all of whom have gone on
to achieve international success at the highest levels.

The Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters has previously been held at Les Petits As, in Tarbes,
France and plays a key role in the development of junior wheelchair tennis. Building on that
legacy, the ITF is moving the tournament to the Orange Bowl to further evolve the junior
wheelchair division and provide the best possible experience for players.

The date of the Orange Bowl event also avoids a clash with the Australian Open Junior
Championships and ensures the season’s top-ranked juniors remain eligible to compete,
while aligning the U18 categories with the ITF junior division.

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “Bringing the Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters to the
Orange Bowl represents a major milestone for junior wheelchair tennis. This prestigious
stage has a long history of developing future champions, and by hosting our top junior
players here, we are providing them with an environment that challenges, inspires, and
elevates their game. It also reflects the ITF’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful
opportunities and pathways for the next generation of wheelchair tennis stars, ensuring they
have every chance to compete, learn, and succeed at the highest levels”.

In 2025, the girls’ draw will expand from four to eight players, with the top seven boys and
top seven girls from the ITF Junior Rankings qualifying, plus one wildcard per draw. Players
will compete in round-robin groups of four, followed by finals and playoff matches.

Ahead of the tournament, the ITF will host a development camp for the 16 qualifying players
at the USTA National Campus in Orlando in partnership with the Cruyff Foundation and
multiple Grand Slam champion, Diede de Groot, who will provide mentoring to both players
and coaches.

The Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, originally founded in 1947, has a
storied history of shaping tennis stars. By bringing the Wheelchair Junior Masters to this
prestigious stage, the ITF gives junior wheelchair players the same spotlight as other rising
stars of the sport.

Diede De Groot, said: “I’m really looking forward to training and coaching the young players
in Orlando, and I look forward to sharing tips on what it takes to become a top player and
hopefully inspire them.”

Jo Wallen, Managing Director, National & Global Events, USTA, said: “The USTA is
committed to integrating wheelchair tennis at the highest levels of the sport and we could not
be more excited to bring the Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters to the Orange Bowl. This move reaffirms the Orange Bowl’s status as one of the world’s most prominent junior
tennis events and strengthens its legacy as a springboard for the sport’s rising stars”.

Doug Wiley, Chair of Orange Bowl’s Tennis Committee, said: “We are extremely honoured to
host the Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters at the Orange Bowl International Tennis
Championships, providing a world-class stage for these incredible young athletes. This move
reflects our commitment to growing the game and celebrating the next generation of tennis
stars.”