The Netherlands ace extended one of the longest unbeaten streaks in the whole of professional sport with another dominant performance at London 2012, taking the gold medal with a 6-0 6-3 victory over campatriot Aniek van Koot in the women's Singles final.

She still has a chance of more glory today when she teams up with partner Marjolein Buis to take on countrywomen Jiske Griffioen and Van Koot in the Doubles final, but she admits that she does not know how much longer she will continue playing at the very top level.

'I have been thinking about this question a lot before going into this Paralympic Games, whether to keep going or to retire,' she revealed.  'But I haven't made the decision yet.

I know the day I will lose will come, but I don't know when.

Esther Vergeer

'I like the game, so I will continue playing, but for how long I have no clue. It also depends what is going to happen at home, business opportunities, private life.' 

Victory over Van Koot marked the 470th straight triumph for the Dutch star, the longest currently active winning streak in all of professional sport.

Vergeer has been untouchable at the very top of her game since 2003, but she knows that it will be impossible to keep up that momentum for ever.

When asked how long her winning streak can continue, she admitted: 'I know the day I will lose will come, but I don't know when.

'It's one of the best compliments you can ever get that somebody is inspired by you, or is motivated by you to go and play sport or to get a better life. So I feel proud that I am in that position.'