Diede De Groot: The Puzzle, The Passion, and The Pursuit of Perfection

27 June 2025

Diede De Groot's record speaks for itself. With an astonishing six singles titles and three doubles titles at Wimbledon, her resume is one of unparalleled success in wheelchair tennis. But as she reveals, her career is as much about passion and resilience as it is about trophies.

Wimbledon: A Unique Challenge and Cherished Memories
For Diede, Wimbledon holds a special place, calling it "so special" and a "challenge," almost like a "puzzle" to solve each year. Her preparation for the grass-court major is robust this year, with two key tournaments at Eastbourne (combining with WTA and ATP tours) and Roehampton, providing ample opportunity to fine-tune her game.
Among her many victories, the first-ever Wimbledon title stands out, not just because it was her maiden Grand Slam, but also due to the challenging circumstances. She recounts winning another Wimbledon title while playing through pain, arriving with "very short notice" and relying on sheer determination after doctors cleared her to play despite discomfort. This anecdote highlights the mental fortitude that has defined her career.

The Comeback Trail: Rediscovering the Love for the Game
The past 12 months have presented Diede with her longest break from tennis since she started playing, undergoing surgery after the Paralympic Games and embarking on a lengthy recovery. This hiatus, however, proved to be a dual blessing. It allowed her to physically recuperate and, crucially, provided a much-needed "mental break" to reflect on her achievements and reignite her passion.
Her return to competition at Roland Garros was "crazy." Despite feeling strong in training, the transition back to match play was a stark reminder of the importance of rhythm. "I did not know what I was doing," she admits, highlighting the unique demands of competitive tennis after a prolonged absence. Yet, this experience has fostered a "renewed love and passion for the game." She acknowledges that her intense focus on winning Paralympic gold in Paris had led her to "completely lost all of the love for the game" previously. Now, she's determined to "do it differently," prioritising enjoyment and finding "the happy and the fun moments."

The Evolving Landscape of Wheelchair Tennis
Diede's dominance on tour meant that during her absence, other players had a chance to shine. She points to her "biggest rival," Yui Kamiji (currently world number one), who has clinched both the French Open and Australian Open titles. She also highlights the rise of Chinese player Li and several promising young talents from France, China, and the Netherlands, signaling a broadening competitive field. While acknowledging a friendly rivalry with Kamiji, Diede notes that their intense on-court battles for major titles naturally create a competitive dynamic off-court too.
The Netherlands' consistent success in wheelchair tennis, producing champions like Diede, Lizzy de Greef, and Sam Schroeder, is attributed to a rich history of role models (like Esther Vergeer), strong integration within the national federation, and good facilities for Paralympic sports.
However, Diede expresses concern about the rising costs of competing, particularly for aspiring young players. The financial disparity between lower-level tournaments (where prize money often doesn't cover expenses) and the Grand Slams (the only events where top players can make a profit) creates a significant "gap" in player development. She stresses the need for more support to cover travel and accommodation costs, rather than solely increasing prize money, to ensure the tour is "suitable for every level."

Wimbledon Traditions and Future Aspirations
On the controversial decision to replace line judges with electronic line calling at Wimbledon, Diede admits she's "a little bit sad." While acknowledging it might lead to "less mistakes," she loved the tradition and the "intense moments of asking for the challenge," viewing it as part of tennis's charm, similar to VAR in football. As for other Wimbledon traditions, she's a big fan of strawberries and cream (though she prefers whipped cream!) and fondly remembers enjoying Pimm's as a spectator.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Diede's main goal is to regain her rhythm by playing "as much as I can," with an eye on the US Open and a series of hardcourt tournaments later in the year. Beyond tennis, she aims to have a "really nice summer," enjoying time with friends and family, and continuing to embrace her renewed approach to the sport and life.
For the full, captivating interview with Diede De Groot, make sure to listen to This Sporting Planet's podcast and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.