Perhaps sooner than expected, the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters returned to the Netherlands! After the successful 2022 edition in Oss, the tournament took place from November 11 to 17, 2024, at Sportpark Molenbeke in Arnhem. Here, the best international wheelchair tennis players competed for titles in the singles, doubles, and quads categories. For this event, we provided the international federation with advice and support during the exploratory phase, and then took on the full execution of the event.
We couldn't have done this without
International allure
The Dutch wheelchair tennis players had the opportunity to showcase themselves to the home crowd, and they did so with flair! Sportpark Molenbeke in Arnhem was transformed into a venue of international allure, with matches played on three hardcourt courts. The center court had space for 350 tennis fans. During the event, we welcomed more than 1,250 visitors who not only enjoyed the Dutch top players but also the best players in the world from no less than 16 other countries.
Sport for Everyone
A special aspect of this edition was the side events, where visitors could get acquainted with adaptive sports. Wheelchair tennis clinics were also organized in the city center of Arnhem, allowing residents to experience this sport. Together with the province of Gelderland and the municipality of Arnhem, we worked on the further development of parasport in the Netherlands. After all, sport is for everyone!
"I am convinced that these top athletes will continue to inspire future generations!"
David Haggerty, President, ITF
Paralympic Champions Present
Expectations were high prior to the event, as all the Paralympic champions from Paris 2024 participated in the battle for the world titles. The Netherlands enjoyed success with Vink & Schröder in the quads doubles, van Koot & Griffioen in the women's doubles, and Vink in the quads singles.
Side-events
In the lead-up to and during the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters, various side events were organized.
Official Draw
The official draw took place at the provincial house of Gelderland in Arnhem. The round robin groups were formed, from which the full match schedule was then rolled out.
Clinics in the City
Prior to the Wheelchair Tennis Masters, people had the opportunity to try wheelchair tennis at various locations in the city. There was a court at Arnhem station and also in front of the Gelderland provincial house.
Clinics
At Sportpark Molenbeke, clinics were provided throughout the week by various partners and wheelchair tennis players. There was also a school program, giving students from Prisma College and primary school De Ommezwaai the chance to try wheelchair tennis.
Children's Press Conference
At the children's press conference, two classes from primary school De Ommezwaai had the chance to ask questions to Dutch wheelchair tennis players Niels Vink, Lizzy de Greef, and Jiske Bos. It was a special experience for both the students and the athletes!
