Top of page
Sports

Shingo Kunieda Wins British Open

Shingo Kunieda speaking

With Gustavo Fernandez and Shingo Kunieda having both won the British Open men’s title over the last two years, the world No. 1 and world No. 2 served up in Nottingham a rematch of their recent Wimbledon wheelchair tennis final.

Japan’s defending champion came from 2-1 down to take the opening set, putting away his second set point with a short cross-court forehand winner.

The second seed continued in the ascendancy and served out to love to earn a second 5-3 lead. Drama ensued as Fernandez kept alive his hopes of a second British Open title in three years with a scintillating backhand down the line winner.

But a cross-court forehand pass set up Kunieda’s second championship point and Fernandez finally succumbed as he hit his next forehand return into the net to give Kunieda a 6-3 6-4 victory.

After claiming his seventh British Open men’s title, Kunieda paid tribute to his opponent. He said:

“Today’s match was very important to me because I have lost two times in a row to Gustavo. Gustavo, you give me a lot of motivation and energy, so I want to improve more because of you. I have had many good results here, so it is a lucky place for me.”

By the time they met in the men’s singles final, Fernandez and Kunieda had already combined with great effect to win their first men’s doubles title together, defeating Brits Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-5.

You might also like

Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games

Breaking down barriers to sport and recreation

Grants of up to $150,000 are now available for projects…

cricketer on the field cricketer on the field

Australia’s cricketers with disabilities return to National Championships

The National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) returns this week to…

Close-up disabled man holding basketball Close-up disabled man holding basketball

NSW funds to develop Disability Sport Centre of Excellence in Blacktown City

Blacktown City Council, in partnership with Disability Sports Australia,  announced…

Paralympion Madison de Rozario Paralympion Madison de Rozario

Thinktank to increase disability access to sport, recreation and tourism

In an Australian first initiative, Griffith convened close to 100…