“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” - William Arthur Ward. Aniek was born with a short right leg and after unsuccessful treatments and procedures, her leg was amputated. She comes from a tennis family but could not excel in the sport due to her reliance on a prosthesis. Everything changed around the age of ten when her mother learned about wheelchair tennis. Aniek fell in love with wheelchair tennis and has gone on to be the top in her field. She has won in all grand slam tennis tournaments multiple times through singles and doubles tennis and has also won gold and silver at the Paralympic Games.

How and when did you decide to take on wheelchair tennis?A: My parent’s worked busy jobs at a tennis/meeting center so I’ve always been involved with tennis. My mum even was a tennis teacher for a while!! My sister Sanne (30yrs) was really competitive and a really good player. But I couldn’t really play because of my disability. Until my mom saw a documentary about wheelchair tennis. From that moment I was sold. It all started in the year 2000.

What is your most memorable championship and why?A: It must be winning the US Open Singles title in 2013. I had been struggling with my number 1 position and had trouble facing the pressure. (That I only put on myself). But that final match was so close and so tense! So I was so happy to win it, and I was super proud.

What has been your toughest sporting challenge? How did you overcome it?A: I think it’s more a mental challenge. I was so afraid to lose my matches and to fail in the thing I loved most. With that feeling I played some horrible matches. I can always fight, but I was always scared of what people would think. But now, these days, at the age of 28 I sometimes still wonder what people think, but I did learn that losing is learning. Is it really the worst thing that could ever happen? Losing a match at Roland Garros? Nope, I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but there are far worse things that could happen. Learn from it and move on. Wipe your buttocks with it, and start a new day.

What role has your family and coaches played in your decorated tennis career?A: “You can never re-spend your time with family, so spend it wisely” the best advice I was ever given by Marc Kalkman, former National Coach. My parents have always supported my sister Sanne, my little Brother Sam and me. In pretty much everything we did. The always looked passed our own needs, so that we would be able to board any adventure there was. As you can tell, I’m very proud of them. My coach Michel Lentjes, is the best. He makes me smile, and gave me the joy and fun back in my tennis. There hasn’t been one training that I didn’t have a sore stomach from laughing. He gives me so much confidence, and a shoulder to cry on when I’m frustrated

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?A: I can only tell that I was lucky enough with my schools until the age of 14. They always supported me. Unfortunately at the age of 14, when I changed to a “sports school” some teachers didn’t believe that wheelchair tennis was a top sport. Like an actual sport. So I got bullied here and there by my math and science teachers. (Subjects I absolutely hate, I’m terrible at maths!! Haha) But I didn’t flinch and I didn’t bow down. Until I cracked when my then coach Aad Zwanzig figured it out. I told him everything and he got really angry. He came to the school the other day and educated all my teachers about my sports, bullying and resilience. A moment I’m still very grateful for. I definitely didn’t get any better grades after that, but the bullying stopped. And I continued my path. Other than that, puberty hit me haha. And it comes with all the love crushes, and insecurities.

What are your other hobbies?A:  I love shopping... oh my god I do. And I’m really good at it haha. But I love to do it with a good friend, browse around the shops, and stop for a coffee or 2. I also love to cuddle with my little niece Maud. She’s the light of my life, she was born in September 2018 when I was playing at the US Open. And I’m actually a pretty good cook, I love to cook a nice meal and invite people over.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?A:  It must be safety beach VIC Australia. I’ve met some amazing friends during my tennis adventures. And the man, Matthew Ingram used to play wheelchair tennis. Together with his amazing lovely wife Bellinda, they have triplets. Jemma, Ella and Caitlin. (18-02-2009) We stayed in touch throughout the years, and now every year they come to support me at the Australian Open. After that I get to stay with them at their house in Safety beach. Wich is an absolute treat. It’s so amazing there, the sea is so blue, just like in a magazine.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A:  Make them aware of what they CAN do, and don’t point out the things they can’t do. Love them just like their siblings or,if only child, their nieces or nephews. And let them fail, let them make mistakes. Also with their disabilities. You as a parent want your kid to succeed in the big world right? Well then let them live and learn from an early age. You get back up in your chair or you face your insecurities (rather than things you can’t do). Either you will have a moment where you don’t succeed but you learn, or you will succeed and learn to do it the right way for yourself the next time. When I was so little, I desperately wanted to go on that slide in the play garden. But i couldn’t get on the stairs. My dad said, try your hardest if you really want it. Don’t hand children things to easy. Because I still see disabled teenagers going to the bathroom with their moms to help. Help them to learn to be independent. Because it’s the greatest gift you can give. It might sound really harsh, i know, but I’ve always been thankful for my parents on this matter. But for the parents of children that have so many other (severe) difficulties, I SALUTE YOU. For you, I could only say: find a good caring helper in your life, and take a day off. Recharge your batteries so you can smile to the fullest again by morning.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in tennis?A: Look up the USTA website and their programme (us only) or the ITF wheelchair tennis website. You’ll see there’s heaps of information. And otherwise, just ask me. I’m happy to help.

Any special message for our community?A: I’m may have been a bit harsh on my answers, but I answered all my questions with a smile on my face and I thank you all for it. It’s good to reflect on your past, but it’s so much more fun to look forward to the future. “Help is always there, all you need to do is ask.” And for the (disabled) teenaged girls, if you don’t feel well or you’re really insecure.... put on your best dress, a little makeup if you like it, and smile. Trust me, after a few minutes staring at yourself you’ll start to believe it.