Another trophy in the bag for Sithole
WESTDENE – Lucas Sithole wins the Swiss Open doubles title again.
Local wheelchair tennis quad star Lucas Sithole (29) can place another trophy on his mantel after he won his second doubles title at the Swiss Open. The Westdene resident, who has already qualified for the upcoming Rio 2016 Paralympic Games teamed up with Australian, Heath Davidson, to beat Americans, Bryan Barten and David Wagner, in a turnaround 1–6; 6–4; [10–3] in the final in Geneva, Switzerland, on 15 July.
In the singles event, Sithole posted a confident win over Timmermans Hall from the Netherlands 2–6; 6–0; 6–1 in the opening round, and went on to outplay Barten in yet another turnaround win 4–6; 6–3; 6–3 in the second round. Although Sithole could not make it a double after coming short in the final against rival Wagner 2–6; 4–6, he played with passion to deserve the runner-up title in the singles event.
The American world number two denied Sithole the singles title in Geneva in 2014 and made a repeat at this year’s event.
Sithole said he battled with tough windy conditions but admitted that there was still plenty to work on after having a new wheelchair for only a short space of time. “I struggled with the wind, it was very strong today and I couldn’t play my best game. I also have to work on my returns and still getting my way around the new chair,” said the world number three.
The two-time Grand-slam champion will compete in the German Open, between 20 and 24 July 2016 in Berlin.
Related article: Lucas Sithole bags Grand Slam doubles’ title
