Vergeer and Kunieda Excel Through French Open

Shingo Kunieda (NED) and Esther Vergeer (NED) recently won the Wheelchair Tennis Men's and Women's Singles final at the Roland Garros Masters Series event to complete successful defences of the titles they won last year. Hosted by one of the most famous cities in the world, Paris successfully saw over 15,000 visitors for the French Open 2008.

Esther Vergeer met her expectations, defeating fellow Dutchwoman Korie Homan, 6:2, 6:2 in the Wheelchair Women’s Singles. Vergeer was also able to help Jiske Griffioen during the Wheelchair Women’s Doubles, defeating the opposing side 6:4, 6:4.

In the Wheelchair Men’s Singles, Shingo Kunieda of Japan, was able to stay ahead throughout the matches, ending with a 6:0, 7:6 win over Robin Ammerlaan from The Netherlands. Like Vergeer, Ammerlaan also won in the Wheelchair Men’s Doubles. His partner, Maikel Scheffers of The Netherlands, proved to be a winning combination in the Finals.

In addition to the competition, the tennis family gathered at the Pavillon d’Armenonville in Paris for the World Champions Dinner to celebrate the achievements of the 2007 ITF World Champions on 3 June. Kunieda and Vergeer were among the 2007 ITF World Champions honoured during the evening. Kunieda became ITF Wheelchair Tennis World Champion for the first time in 2007, while Vergeer was the women's World Champion for a record eighth year.