In a thrilling showdown, Diede de Groot emerged victorious once again, securing her 12th consecutive Grand Slam wheelchair singles title. The electrifying match took place on a warm Sunday afternoon at the prestigious US Open in New York. De Groot faced off against Japanese contender Yui Kamiji, ultimately overpowering her opponent with a remarkable 6-2, 6-2 victory in the exhilarating women’s final.
This incredible triumph marked De Groot’s third consecutive calendar-year Grand Slam win, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of wheelchair tennis. It was a year of unrivaled success for the Dutch superstar, as she also achieved the coveted Golden Slam in 2021 by clinching the Paralympic gold medal alongside her Grand Slam victories. With an astonishing display of skill and determination, De Groot has now claimed an impressive six consecutive US Open titles and amassed a total of 20 major singles titles throughout her illustrious career.
In a post-match interview, De Groot humbly downplayed the significance of her remarkable achievements, expressing her desire to remain focused on her game rather than getting caught up in records. “I’d like to really not worry about it too much because then you’re going to start to think about, ‘Oh, I want to reach this or I want to reach that,'” she explained. “I really just want to focus on my game, and that’s what I did today. So that’s what I’m really proud of. But I think just being this consistent is what I’m really proud of – being able to do it multiple times in the year.”
Indeed, De Groot’s consistency is a testament to her unwavering dedication and unparalleled skills on the court. Since her defeat in the French Open semifinals in 2020, she has remained undefeated in Grand Slam singles matches, showcasing her dominance in the sport. Her unwavering resilience and ability to continuously raise the bar have propelled her to the pinnacle of wheelchair tennis, earning her the respect and admiration of fans and fellow athletes alike.
While De Groot claimed the spotlight in the women’s final, the men’s wheelchair singles final was equally captivating. The highly anticipated clash featured two British players, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, vying for the prestigious title. In a captivating display of skill and endurance, Hewett emerged as the victor, defeating Reid with scores of 6-4, 6-3. This impressive win marked Hewett’s fourth US Open men’s wheelchair title, solidifying his place as one of the top contenders in the sport.
The US Open wheelchair championships not only showcased the extraordinary abilities of these remarkable athletes but also highlighted the progress and recognition of wheelchair tennis as a whole. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the visibility and acceptance of wheelchair tennis, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the unique skills and athleticism of its players. The dedicated efforts of organizations and advocates have contributed to the sport’s development, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future.
The exhilarating matches witnessed at the US Open were a testament to the incredible talent and perseverance of these wheelchair tennis stars. Their unwavering determination to overcome physical challenges and push boundaries serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. As the glorious sun set on the grounds of the US Open, the echoes of applause and cheers reverberated throughout the stadium, celebrating the triumphs and showcasing the immense potential of wheelchair tennis. The legacy of athletes like Diede de Groot and Alfie Hewett will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, ensuring the continued growth and success of this dynamic sport.
