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Esther Vergeer, the former women's wheelchair tennis number one has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 38 year old Dutchwoman announced the news on Twitter. Vergeer tweeted, "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" The Dutchwoman is considered to be a legend in her sport - she went unbeaten between 2003 and her retirement in 2013 and won 470 consecutive matches.
She has won 48 Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles, 23 year-end championships and seven Paralympic gold medals. Vergeer has used a wheelchair since she was 8, when an operation to correct hemorrhaging around her spinal cord left her paraplegic.
She took up wheelchair tennis and strung together a list of titles. Richard Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon champion, called her "perhaps the most successful sportsperson of all time." Vergeer is the leader of the Dutch team for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, take place later this year in August.
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