Sithole ready for French Open
South African Wheelchair Tennis star Lucas Sithole has spent the last month preparing for the upcoming French Open Super Series, which takes place in Paris from June 24-29.
FILE PICTURE: Lucas Sithole from South Africa in action against Andrew Lapthorne (GBR) in the quads final during day 5 of the Airports Company South Africa SA Wheelchair Tennis Open from Ellis Park Tennis Centre on April 13, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images
The tournament is one of six top wheelchair tennis events on the ITF Wheelchair Tennis tour, and has attracted eight of the world’s top 10 quad players in the draw of 24.
Sithole, a triple amputee from Newcastle, Kwazulu-Natal, who was ranked second in the world in his category, said he was still hoping to become the top-ranked player in the world.
“I am working hard to get closer to my dream of becoming world number one. I am going to give it my all and look forward to the tournament,” he said.
Sithole catapulted to world number-two in September 2013, after his historic win over America’s David Wagner at the US Open, becoming the first African to win a wheelchair grand slam.
At the recent Japan Open, Sithole again defeated Wagner — the world number one and defending champion — to lift his second Super Series trophy in 2014 and third in his career.
With their rivalry growing, and a ranking difference of only 798 points, Wagner and Sithole had all to play for at the BNP Paribas Open de France.
– Sapa
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