In a stunning turn of events, the remarkable winning streak of Dutch tennis sensation Diede de Groot has finally come to an end. After an unprecedented run of 145 consecutive victories, the wheelchair tennis champion faced defeat at the hands of Chinese player Xiaohui Li in the World Team Cup this past weekend.
De Groot, renowned for her prowess on the court, had been on an unstoppable trajectory for the past three years, clinching an impressive total of 21 Grand Slam singles titles and securing two gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Her dominance in the sport reached legendary status as she swept through tournaments, claiming victories in all the Grand Slam events she participated in during 2021, 2022, and 2023. Additionally, her triumph at this season’s Australian Open seemed to cement her status as an unbeatable force in wheelchair tennis.
However, all streaks eventually come to an end, and De Groot’s historic run was halted by Li in a hard-fought battle on the court. Despite the setback, De Groot’s achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, earning her accolades such as the Laureus Award for Best Disability Sportsperson for her remarkable contributions to tennis.
As the tennis world reflects on the end of De Groot’s remarkable streak, it also anticipates her inevitable return to the court, where she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate fans with her extraordinary talent and determination.