New ABN AMRO ambassador Diede de Groot to compete in ABN AMRO Open 2026
- Sponsorship
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 () and the media coverage of wheelchair tennis players (). 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.