The Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula congratulated wheelchair tennis star and world number four Lucas Sithole on 22 July for yet another victory. Sithole, a 28-year-old Westdene resident, clinched his second British Open quads singles title in Nottingham, Great Britain, on 18 July. Sithole battled back a set and 4–1 down to defeat world number three, Britain’s Andy Lapthorne 1–6; 7–5; 6–4 in the final. “Saturday’s victory of Lucas is yet another demonstration of his fighting spirit and determination,” Mbalula said.
“It affirms his drive for excellence; he always strives to make his country proud. We could not be more proud of Sithole’s achievements and as government we have been able to show him that he is appreciated.” Mbalula added that it was not by mistake that the president bestowed The National Order upon Sithole, or that Sithole was awarded the national Sportsman of the Year with Disability in 2013. Sithole was the first African wheelchair tennis player to win the British Open in 2013.
After winning the title a second time, he thanked his sponsors, his coach Holger Losch, family, friends and “everyone who wished me well”. “This week I played my best tennis ever,” Sithole said. “The guys pushed me to play at my highest limit.” Sithole added that words could not express the joy he felt from the win. In the semi-final, Sithole beat world number one David Wagner 7–5; 6–1.
