Vanessa Atkinson

Vanessa Louise Atkinson (born 10 March 1976 in Newcastle, England) is a former professional squash player from the Netherlands, who won the World Open in 2004 and reached the World No. 1 ranking in December 2005.

Vanessa Atkinson
Atkinson during 2009 Women's World Open
Full nameVanessa Louise Atkinson
Country Netherlands
ResidenceLeeds, England
Born (1976-03-10) 10 March 1976
Newcastle, England
Turned Pro1995
Retired2011
PlaysRight Handed
Coached byLiz Irving
Racquet usedKarakal
Women's singles
Highest rankingNo. 1 (December, 2005)
Title(s)25
Tour final(s)42
World OpenW (2004)
Last updated on: 3 December 2019.

Atkinson was born in England, but her family moved to the Netherlands when she was still a child. She began playing squash as a youngster in Dordrecht. She now resides in Harrogate, Yorkshire, with her partner James Willstrop, himself a professional squash player.[1]

Atkinson's biggest win came in 2004 when she won the World Open title in Kuala Lumpur by defeating fellow compatriote Natalie Grinham (at that time still representing Australia) with a score of 9–1, 9–1, 9–5 in the final.[2] Atkinson also has won major tournaments in Qatar, New York, Monte Carlo, Malaysia and Ireland.

Atkinson retired from professional play in May 2011.

World Open

Finals: 1 (1 title, 0 runner-up)

Outcome Year Location Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner2004Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Natalie Grinham9–1, 9–1, 9–5

Major World Series final appearances

Qatar Classic: 2 finals (2 titles, 0 runner-up)

Outcome Year Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner2004 Rachael Grinham9-4, 9-7, 9-6
Winner2005 Vicky Botwright9-7, 9-4, 9-2

Malaysian Open: 2 finals (1 title, 1 runner-up)

Outcome Year Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner2004 Nicol David9-2, 9-4, 9-0
Runner-up2005 Nicol David3-9, 9-3, 1-9, 9-1, 9-4

See also

References

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Rachael Grinham
Nicol David
World No. 1
December 2005
April 2006 July 2006
Succeeded by
Nicol David
Nicol David
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
WISPA Player of the Year
2004
Succeeded by
Nicol David
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