The History of the Belgian Open
From Vision to Reality (1988–1992)
The Belgian Open began in 1981, when Annie Desoay and Martine Vrachter launched an ambitious project: to create a tennis club for people in wheelchairs.
With the support of Adeps, “Les Deux Fonds” was founded in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. Around the same time, the Belgian Open was launched and immediately attracted 60 players to its first edition.
A major milestone followed in 1992, when the tournament hosted the Wheelchair Tennis World Cup. With 130 players and a prestigious guest, Jim Courier, the Belgian Open quickly gained international recognition.
Challenges and Resilience (1993–2000)
The Belgian Open has been growing year after year, driven by the dedication of Annie Desoay and Martine Vrachter. The tournament is gradually establishing itself as a major event in wheelchair tennis.
In 1999, Justine Hénin came to play in an exhibition match and went on to serve as the Open’s patron in 2000 and 2001. This period cemented the tournament’s special place in the Belgian sports landscape. In 2000, Scott Innes won the title.
The tournament continued to attract top players and make history, despite the challenges related to organization and changes in the tour.
Growth and Professionalization (2000–2010)
In the early 2000s, the Belgian Open continued to grow. The tournament attracted increasingly well-known players and became more professional.
In 2001, Gérard and Pierre won the doubles title, while Mike Denayer was competing on the world tour at the time. The prize money at the time—about $15,000—already reflected the tournament’s growing importance.
The following years were marked by strong performances and memorable sporting moments. Esther Vergeer won the Belgian Open several times, while big names in wheelchair tennis continued to make their way to Belgium.
Elite Performance and Recognition (2010–2020)
Over the years, the Belgian Open has become a stage for exceptional performances. Esther Vergeer dominated the tournament with ten consecutive victories before retiring.
David Wagner also managed to win, ending Joachim Gérard’s unbeaten streak in the final. In 2014, the tournament received the Uzès of the Year award, given to the best tournament in this category.
With top-level players, solid organization, and a friendly atmosphere, the event has cemented its place on the international circuit.
A New Chapter (2020–Present)
After a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Belgian Open is back stronger than ever.
The 2022 and 2023 editions mark the return of a beloved tournament, featuring many loyal players and an enthusiastic crowd. In 2025, the tournament will move to a new venue and begin a new chapter in Enghien.
With accessible courts, a high level of competition, and big ambitions, the Belgian Open continues to evolve while remaining true to its original mission: to create a professional, inclusive, and welcoming wheelchair tennis experience.
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