Not only in-game but in real life as well the wheelchair tennis players redefine what champions look like. Due to the remarkable resilience and skills of athletes the wheelchair tennis Paralympics has grown in popularity. The 2024 event took place in Stade Ronald-Garros in Paris, allowing wheelchair players globally to participate.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics took place from 28 August to 7 September in which around 4000 athletes competed for 549 medals from all over the world. The first summer Paralympic games in Paris showcased 22 games, involving both team and individual sports. Moving ahead, let’s know more about the event in detail.
About the Event: Wheelchair Tennis Paralympics
Famous for its clay courts, Ronald Garros Stadium marked the beginning of the wheelchair tennis Paralympics on 30 August and ended on 7 September. The event showcased both doubles and singles matches in women’s, men’s, and team categories. As per the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in the world, wheelchair tennis is one of the quickest-growing sports. In 1976, Brad Parks, a freestyle skier from the USA, introduced the game with the same rules as tennis but with some changes.
In addition to this, the Barcelona Paralympic Games was the first one that introduced wheelchair tennis to people in the year 1992. Considering this, now the game is played at all four Grand Slam Events. Apart from this, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) presently organizes more than 150 tournaments. Also, the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour divides the players into two categories:
- Open Category: It is for those para tennis players who have a permanent deficiency of one or both legs. However, have normal functioning of the arm.
- Quad Category: For the players that have extra issues in the playing arm, limiting the skill to oversee the wheelchair and handle the racquet.
It was all about the 2024 Paralympics Tennis held in Paris. Apart from this the ITF also maintains several rankings, involving UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Rankings. Moving ahead, let’s know the key players who were the highlights of the event.
Key Players of the Wheelchair Tennis Paralympics 2024
With the beginning of the Wheelchair Tennis Paralympics 2024, all eyes were on a few players who grabbed the attention of the people last season. These were the ones who were worth to watch in the sport. So without wasting a minute here is the list of the top ones:
Diede de Groot (the Netherlands)
After achieving a calendar Grand Slam in the year 2023, she is one of the dominant players in the list of women’s singles to defend her double wheelchair tennis medal gold. Also, her beautiful performance was recognized with the Laureus World Sportsperson 2023. It is the disability award that she gained for her skills.
Donald Ramphadi (South Africa)
Another name on the list of key players is Donald Ramphadi from South Africa. He first comes into the limelight in the year 2023. The reason behind it was his amazing win in the Grand Slam quad-doubles title. Also, for the first time, coming into the list of top five singles tennis players. Apart from this, from this event, he made his debut in the Paris Paralympic Games.
Zhenxu Ji (China)
Zhenxu Ji is one of the rising players from China. In 2023, for the first time, he made his name in the top 20 single players in the world. Also, it was his second time in the Paris Paralympic Games.
Niels Vink (the Netherlands)
Niels Vink made his Paralympic debut in the year 2020 in Tokyo. He is a five-time champion in the singles Grand Slam. This year he aimed to turn his bronze medal into a gold one in the 2024 Paris.
Heath Davidson (Australia)
Heath Davidson from Australia is the fourth-time champion of the Australian Open quad doubles. Also, he is a double gold medalist in the Paralympics. He was the finishing runner-up of Niels Vink in 2023 for his first Grand Slam Singles.
Najwa Awane (Morocco)
Najwa is the winner of both the women’s doubles and singles in the year 2023 of the African Para Games. Also, in Paris, it was her second Paralympics.
Tokito Oda (Japan)
A 17-year-old boy from Japan holds the title of two Grand Slam singles in 2023. Also, it made him in the number-one position in the men’s singles. This year he made his debut in the Paris Paralympic 2024.
Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina)
Gustavo is a former number player in men’s singles. He is a five-time champion of Grand Slam Singles. Apart from this, in 2023 Parapans, he won double gold. There at his fourth game, he chased his first medal for the Paralympics.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 wheelchair tennis Paralympics, this year also did not fail to grab the attention of the people. With the twists and turns of every match, it maintained the thrill among viewers. Also, the key players were not left with any chance to showcase their skills in the game and make their country proud. In short, like every Paralympic Season this year as well the sport provided complete entertainment.