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~ In a watershed moment for the host country, the greatest ever in men's wheelchair tennis lets it all out at Ariake Tennis Park under the gaze of all of Japan "VAN" (Sports Desk - Tokyo2020 - 06.09.2021) :: Taped to KUNIEDA Shingo's racquet are the words "I am the strongest", as a simple reminder to himself of the player he is when the going ever gets tough for him in a match. After Saturday (4 September) however, one has to wonder if Kunieda will need any more reminding in the future. The rest of the world certainly won't. Following his sweeping straight sets victory over the Netherlands' Tom Egberink in the Tokyo 2020 wheelchair tennis men's singles final, Kunieda became the first man to win three Paralympic gold medals in the event. He is now tied with Australia's David Hall for most medals won by a male Paralympic tennis player, at six. Kunieda's trophy case is completely stocked. For his career, the 37-year-old Japanese has a combined 45 singles and doubles Grand Slam titles. The only piece of silverware missing is a singles trophy from Wimbledon. Can you spell GOAT? "This really is a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life", Kunieda said exclusively to Olympics.com after delivering one of the signature moments for the host country at these Games. "I honestly can’t believe it. My wife, my trainer, my coach. I was able to get this far because of them. I feel nothing but gratitude". TOKYO2020
On Wed, Apr 24, 2024