Served her country, now serving aces: Cornelia Oosthuizen claims GB wheelchair No.1 ranking

Army veteran and Invictus Games medalist Cornelia Oosthuizen has achieved a career landmark by becoming the new British No.1 female wheelchair tennis player, overtaking Paralympic silver medalist Lucy Shuker in the singles rankings.

The 47-year-old moved up to world No.20 following a first-round victory at the French Riviera Open WC1000 last week, securing the top domestic spot for the first time in her career.

Oosthuizen's tennis journey began at the age of four, but her path to elite wheelchair tennis followed a decade of military service in the Adjutant General's Corps, which included tours in Afghanistan. 

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From military service to court success

In 2014, while competing for the Army, she suffered a severe right leg injury that ultimately resulted in a below-the-knee amputation and her being medically discharged from the Army in 2016.

Transitioning to wheelchair tennis, she made an immediate mark by winning a bronze medal at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. She stands as the only British No.1 player to have competed and medalled at the Invictus Games.

A special milestone

Speaking to the LTA, Oosthuizen shared what reaching the top raking means to her.

"It's incredibly special to step into the position of GB No.1," she said.

"It's an honour to follow in the footsteps of some great players who have held this position before me, and I'll give everything I have to represent GB with courage on court.

"I'm excited to embrace the challenge and see what lies ahead."

Oosthuizen currently holds 10 wheelchair singles titles and 12 doubles trophies across her career.

The Army veteran claimed her highest-profile title at the 2025 Bolton Indoor ITF2 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament alongside doubles partner Lucy Shuker.

She made her Wimbledon debut shortly after her Bolton victory, rising to a career-high world ranking of No.18.

Oosthuizen is the only British female player to have beaten Shuker since 2022, who was then the British No.1.