Is Esther Vergeer the world’s most dominant athlete?
Roar Pro Esther Vergeer is a name that does not roll off the tongue in conversations regarding the world’s most dominant athletes, but it should.
Many outside of sport, especially tennis, would struggle to have heard of her. However, her record, which shows no sign of abating, should place her as currently one of the world’s most dominant athletes – if not the most.
Vergeer is the undisputable world number one wheelchair tennis player, who has not lost a singles match since 2003 – a stretch of 470 consecutive matches.
In London on Saturday, 8th September, Vergeer added a fourth Paralympic gold medal to her impressive list of titles, defeating compatriot and second seed Aniek van Koot 6-0, 6-3 in 59 minutes.
She has now won 162 singles and 134 doubles titles at international tournaments. She has won 22 Grand Slams, 13 year-end championships, and the aforementioned four Paralympic titles.
She was so dominant at this year’s French Open, she won both the singles and doubles titles for the loss of just one game.
If there is an athlete out there with a more dominating winning record, I am yet to find them. I am sure there is perhaps someone, somewhere, at some obscure sport, that may challenge her record.
But 470 consecutive wins, at such elite level competition, is pretty hard to ignore.
Edwin Moses’ 122 straight 400m hurdle wins is one that comes close, and perhaps you could argue the 127 year winning sequence by the USA in the America’s Cup is the best domination by a team in sport.
But, as an individual, Ester Vergeer deserves the accolades.
The Crowd Says (10) | Page 1 of Comments
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September 11th 2012 @ 1:32pm
Jerry said | September 11th 2012 @ 1:32pm | Report comment
Jahangir Khan won 555 straight squash matches over a 6 year stretch.
September 11th 2012 @ 1:59pm
Jocelyn McLennan said | September 11th 2012 @ 1:59pm | Report comment
Good call Jerry. Is there any current athlete still competing as dominant? My research has not turned up one.
September 11th 2012 @ 6:18pm
Matt h said | September 11th 2012 @ 6:18pm | Report comment
Historically I can only think if Heather McKay and further back Walter Lindrum
September 11th 2012 @ 8:12pm
Paul B said | September 11th 2012 @ 8:12pm | Report comment
I would of thought Kelly Slater would be up there with 11 world titles, with both the youngest(20) and oldest(39) world title, 5 consecutive titles and 50 WCT wins
September 12th 2012 @ 10:52am
Jocelyn McLennan said | September 12th 2012 @ 10:52am | Report comment
Yeah perhaps getting close Paul but if he had not lost a one on one contest since 2001 he would be considered. Although he was won the 11 titles there are many defeats included in that. Equivalent of Esther being number one player sine 2001 but the fact that in that time she is completley undefeated.
September 12th 2012 @ 12:22pm
Chris said | September 12th 2012 @ 12:22pm | Report comment
Ok this is all very warm and fuzzy, but realistically it is a lot easier the dominate a sport which only a minute percentage of people can compete in.
A great acheivement nonetheless. But worlds most dominant athlete, come off it.
September 12th 2012 @ 1:44pm
Jocelyn McLennan said | September 12th 2012 @ 1:44pm | Report comment
Chris have you ever watched any wheelchair tennis to judge the skill level?
September 12th 2012 @ 4:59pm
BigAl said | September 12th 2012 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
David “Big Dave” Foster (OAM) – World 600 mm Double-handed Sawing Champion 21 years in a row ! . . . game over
September 12th 2012 @ 5:03pm
Jocelyn McLennan said | September 12th 2012 @ 5:03pm | Report comment
Is he still competing or retired ?
September 12th 2012 @ 5:13pm
BigAl said | September 12th 2012 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
Not sure, retired I think, it’s all here – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Foster_(woodchopper)
Most recent thing I have heard about him in the press was his coming out in support of same sex marriage . . . big man Big Dave !