Wimbledon Men’s wheelchair singles: Kunieda
Wimbledon Men’s wheelchair singles: Kunieda. The Wimbledon title was escaping Shingo Kunieda for a long time. He decided to turn to Roger Federer for advice. He learned how to play on grass and it worked.
Kunieda bagged his first Wimbledon title in wheelchair singles. The moment came in his life, on Sunday 10th July.
It was his 28th Grand Slam singles title. The win finally gave chance to complete his career in Grand Slam.
Once Kunieda asked Federer, “My question was how to play on grass and how to think when behind, yeah, on grass.”
Federer remained an eight-time champion at the All-England Club.
Feder said, ‘Yeah, you should attack every point. If you (make a) mistake, no regret. That’s the key, yeah.’
38-year-old Shingo from Japan defeated Alfie Hewett of Britain. The score was 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-5) on No. 3 Court. The moment came a day after the doubles title win. His partner was Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina.
Kunieda reached Wimbledon singles once in four previous appearances. He ended up as runner-up in 2019.
Kunieda emerged as the first men’s wheelchair player for a career Grand Slam. He holds all four major titles.
He won this year’s Australian Open and French Open. Last year’s U.S. Open was also won by him.
Kunieda said, “I think this title is the very hardest one because of grass.” “But this year I could find a way to play on the grass. So now I can say I can play well on grass.”
Hewett attempted for the sixth Grand Slam title. It was his first in Wimbledon.
He lost the final against Kunieda in the U.S. Open last. It repeated in this year’s Australian Open.
So far, Kunieda won:
- 11 singles titles at the Australian Open
- 8 Titles at the French Open
- 8 Titles at the U.S. Open.
He also bagged 22 Grand Slam doubles titles. It includes his fourth win at Wimbledon last Saturday.
Kunieda said, “Really wanted to get this title.” “You know, my age, 38, so I was thinking it would be the last chance today. Yes, I am very happy about that.”