The US Open is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the US Open Wheelchair Competition in 2017, with the best wheelchair players from around the world returning to Flushing Meadows. Throughout the event, we are spotlighting the standout wheelchair athletes taking part in the event here at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. We’re looking within to see what it takes to train and compete as an elite athlete, and we’re looking beyond to see how these athletes spend their time off the court.
Let's take a look now at 2013 US Open singles and doubles wheelchair champion Aniek van Koot, who is playing in her sixth US Open this year.
Looking Within:
It would seem as if 26-year-old Aniek van Koot was destined to be a tennis player.
“We were always involved with sports,” said van Koot, “especially tennis.”
Growing up in the Netherlands, her parents both worked at a sports complex that housed tennis courts. Her father managed the grounds, while her mother was on the court teaching the game. It was a rarity to find van Koot anywhere but the tennis court.
Van Koot’s time on the court in her youth was interrupted with a series of surgeries, efforts made to create length parity between her legs. When she was born, her right leg was shorter than her left. The surgeries entailed the use of a lengthening technique called the Ilizarov Apparatus Method, which places metal pins in the legs to stretch the limbs. Unfortunately, after 10 procedures, none of which worked, van Koot could no longer walk.
Determined, van Koot didn’t let her lack of mobility keep her from playing the sport she loved. Instead, while she couldn’t run, she would practice her strokes against the wall of her neighbor’s house.
“I played tennis just standing still, to a little wall, just pop, pop, pop against the wall," van Koot said. "I messed up the house of my neighbors. They had a white house, I remember. And I had a ball with an elastic attached to it – like it couldn’t go anywhere. The walls became dotted from the ball – oops!”
When van Koot was 10 years old, her mother saw a documentary on wheelchair tennis and showed her daughter.
“I had a look, and I fell in love. And I said, "Yeah, I got this.”
That early spirited confidence stayed with van Koot, parlaying the Dinxperlo, Netherlands, resident into the professional wheelchair circuit, where she’s dominated the women’s tour. In 2010, she was ranked No. 1 in doubles, and, three years later, she followed suit in singles, topping the rankings at No. 1 in 2013.
Van Koot’s weapon of choice has been her forehand, and she’s not shy talking about it. “My forehand is one of the fastest and strongest there is, I think,” said van Koot, “At least in the women's.”
Since turning pro, van Koot has amassed more than 750 singles and doubles wins, including the 2013 US Open singles and doubles titles. She’s gone on to represent the Netherlands in 13 World Team Cups, capturing titles 12 of the 13 years she has competed. She is also a decorated Olympian, having won the silver medal in singles and doubles at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, as well as the gold medal in doubles and the silver in singles at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.
This fortnight, van Koot is making her sixth appearance in Flushing Meadows, and no matter the outcome, she is excited to be back in the Big Apple.
“It’s always a nice welcome to New York. You always get the best welcome of all the Grand Slams – the best welcome is in New York.”
The only thing greater than van Koot’s love for the sport is the support her parents have for her and her game. Her mother and father, with whom she resides in Dinxperlo, keep up with their daughter's world traveling and tennis, often catching her matches at all hours of the night.
When Aniek won the US Open in 2013, her parents were watching across the Atlantic.
“My mother called me after I won and said, ‘Oh, Aniek, I slapped your dad in the face. He fell asleep again, but I slapped him in the face and said, ‘Aniek just won the US Open!’”
Looking Beyond:
Van Koot not only plays hard, but she parties hard, too. The vivacious athlete considers herself a master hostess.
“I like to entertain people. I love cooking. I can’t really say I’m too good at it, but I do try every time, and I think that’s worth a lot.”
In mid-August, van Koot threw a joint birthday party for herself and her friend, hosting approximately 40 people. The celebration featured a bonfire and plenty of smiles.
“I had my birthday party last Saturday. I spent a lot of my time in organizing it. It was an amazing party. It was a great break away from the tennis.”
Van Koot’s warmth and welcoming temperment made her an ideal choice for her role as an ambassador for Kanjers voor Kanjers Holland. The non-profit organization generates funds for children in need with mental, financial and physical disabilities.
Last year, van Koot and Kanjers voor Kanjers Holland teamed up to host a tennis clinic, at which she worked with young wheelchair players, teaching them the sport she loves. In addition, a walk was held, and the company that sponsored it on her behalf raised over 10,000 Euros. Part of the profits of that clinic went towards the purchase of a tennis wheelchair for one of the participants.
Besides raising money, van Koot loves to spend money. She’s a shopping fiend and every so often treats herself.
“Sometimes I’m like, 'You know what? I worked hard for this. I can buy a new pair of glasses or buy a new watch or something to treat myself.' When I do that, I always go out and go to the shop, and go to the shop after, and I’m so happy.”
