Africa is celebrating its first ever winner at the US tennis Open as South African Lucas Sithole defeated world number one David Wagner in the Men’s Singles Quads final.
Sithole has been wheelchair-bound since losing his legs and part of his right arm in a train accident when he was 11.
The 26-year-old claims his life changed once he realised he could still enjoy a full life even after the accident.
“It all started when I accepted myself after my accident, I didn’t stay indoors – I went to look for help and my primary school was a big help,”
Bongani Zondi, president of Tennis South Africa, congratulated both Sithole and his coach on the win, commenting: “We are proud as TSA to have a champion at long last and also a black South African.”
Tournament favourite David Wagner, who was US Open Champion in 2010 and 2011, took an early lead in the final, taking the first set 6-3. However, Sithole rallied, boosted by knowing he had beaten Wagner in the round-robin stage of the championship, The South African seized the initiative in set two to win it 6-4. He then kept his for in the third set to take it by the same score.
The win confirms Sithole as world number two on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour. He told reporters: “I’d like to thank the supporters and also David for sharing the experience with me on court. I really enjoy playing against him. He is a great player, one of the best in the quads.”
