Wheelchair tennis number four Andy Lapthorne has claimed his first quad singles title after beating Australian third seed Heath Davidson at the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships on Sunday.
Lapthorne had a point to prove after losing to Davidson at Wimbledon last week, beating the Australian 6-4 6-3 at his sixth attempt at the title.
“After losing here five times in the final, that was needed,” Lapthorne said. “It’s just amazing to win here, I know what it’s like to lose here. I’ve lost finals from match point up and I’ve obviously lost to Heath in the last two tournaments. He’s been playing great tennis so congratulations on a great summer mate, you’ve done great things.
“I knew I was going to have to play well out here today. One of my great friends from home, Pistol Pete, who used to play here a lot, he’s not great at home at the moment and just tried to use that to inspire me and push me on and he got me through. Thanks to everyone for the support in the crowd this week, you’ve been amazing for an ITF one. It’s probably the best in the world so thank you to everyone for coming.”
British number one Lucy Shuker’s first British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship singles final did not end on such a happy note, seeing her lose out on the title to the Netherlands’ Aniek van Koot. The Dutch top seed won 6-2 6-3 in her sixth attempt at securing the British Open women’s singles title.
Shuker said: “I’m really happy to get to the final this week. It’s a shame I couldn’t go one further and win but Aniek you were pretty awesome today. Your backhand slice is ridiculous. I’m really happy overall to get to the final, it’s been a good week. I’d like to thank the LTA for all their support and it has been great to play in front of a British crowd again.”
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Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA
