Wheelchair Tennis Triumph

The Miami Open Wheelchair Tennis Singles final saw world No.1 Diede De Groot and 50-time major winner Shingo Kunieda emerge victorious as the first champions of the inaugural event. De Groot secured the victory by defeating Colombia’s Angelica Bernal 6-3 6-5. The 27 year old boasts an impressive record with 39 grand slam titles, 3 Paralympic medals and she has not suffered a defeat in singles since February 2021.

“We had a few people in the — how do you call it — the chairs, the stands, to come and cheer for us today. A lot of Colombians, as well, so that made a good atmosphere. I’m really just happy for the opportunity we got here this week. Hopefully we can make it an even better one and bigger one and an official one next year.” De Groot added.

Despite retiring in 2022 and having not played a competitive match since the 2022 US Open final, Kunieda upset world no.1 Alfie Hewett 7-6(3) 6-3 6-3. Kunieda, a four-time Paralympic gold medallist, also played a key role as the tournament director of this year’s Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational.

Kunieda commented, “This win is unbelievable because I retired last year, so this was around a one-and-a-half-year break for me, and I beat World No. 1. I’m excited for tomorrow, doubles is different, we have more rallies, and we can mix like front and back. It’s so exciting, so please come to watch.”

The 3^rd place matches were won by world No.8 Dana Matthewson who upset Maylee Phelps 6-3 6-1, and Gustavo Fernandez who defeated Gordon Reid 6-2 6-4.

Wheelchair doubles matches will take place tomorrow on Grandstand from 1 PM – see full schedule below.