DANIEL CAVERZASCHI
Biography
I was born on July 11, 1993, at Clínica Belén in Madrid, with distinct malformations in each leg. My right leg was missing the femur and knee, making it much shorter, while my left leg had various malformations that required surgery to function properly.
My parents, who had never encountered someone with a physical disability, were initially overwhelmed but focused on ensuring I had the best life possible. Over time, my disability became a source of many successes and happy moments.
After earning a degree in Economics from the University of Warwick, I dedicated myself to wheelchair tennis, striving daily to become the best player in the world. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for my disability because it has shaped who I am today.
Balancing my studies with high-level tennis, I qualified for the 2012 London Paralympics during my first year of university, a milestone that marked the beginning of my athletic career. In 2014, my father passed away, and I poured my efforts into completing my degree with honors while preparing to focus entirely on tennis.
Daniel Caverzaschi with his sister and his cousin
At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, I earned my first diploma, and by 2018, I ranked among the world's top 15. In the 2020 Tokyo Games, I became the first Spanish wheelchair tennis player to win a diploma in singles. By 2022, I reached the top 10 in the world and began competing in Grand Slams. However, a severe wrist injury sidelined me for a year and a half.
In 2024, against all odds, I returned stronger, qualifying for Wimbledon in record time, winning Spain's first Paralympic tennis medal with my partner Martín, and re-entering the world’s top 10. My ultimate goal remains reaching the top of the rankings.
Beyond tennis, I continue to grow as a player, person, and advocate for disability normalization. In 2023, I co-founded VLP Sports with the mission of breaking societal stereotypes, enabling everyone to achieve their dreams.
Join me on this challenging but rewarding and spectacular journey.