American David Wagner ended his South African safari with a victory over Lucas Sithole in the Airports Company South Africa SA Open at Ellis Park on Saturday.
In a quads final pitting the world number one and two players against each other, it was the more experienced Wagner who won 6-2 6-3.
“I knew Lucas would have a lot of support out there, and it’s phenomenal to see that kind of support in wheelchair tennis,” Wagner said.
“It’s good that they could see him playing at his best at home. But for me, this is great because I lost in the semifinals here last year to Lucas. I know Lucas will never give up in a match, so I can’t let down my guard.”
African double
It was a double triumph for the American, who beat Sithole in last week’s Gauteng Open.
Sithole lost his serve in the first game of each set, but did well to save three match points before eventually succumbing.
“David played very smart tennis. I knew he was going to go all out and I gave it my best, but it didn’t work out,” Sithole said.
“It’s not great losing at home because this is our biggest tournament, but I’m happy for the organisers and sponsors because this is a great event.
“To get the top players here motivates our young players.”
Top seeds
The significance of having so many top seeds competing in this event was not lost on Wagner.
“I love the sport and I love what’s going on in the sport, and in countries like South Africa,” Wagner said.
“I love that I get to be a small part of that and to inspire people. As long as I feel competitive and I’m enjoying it, I’ll continue to play.”
Another double
In the men’s singles final, world number two Stephane Houdet of France beat British world number three Gordon Reid 6-3 6-3 to claim an African double following his victory in last week’s Gauteng Open.
“I played smart. I won almost all of the break points and just lost my serve once. I gave him tough balls to play,” said Houdet.
The women’s singles final saw the only upset of the day when Aniek van Koot of the Netherlands beat world number one Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany 6-4 4-6 6-4, with Ellerbrock suffering from dehydration after the titanic battle.
“This is quite special. I didn’t expect this considering how badly I was playing at the beginning of the tournament,” said Van Koot.
In the doubles, Wagner and Sarah Hunter won the quads doubles title, beating Antony Cotterill and Andrew Lapthorne 6-1 2-6 7-6 (3).
The men’s doubles final was won by Houdet and Frederic Cattaneo, who beat Nicolas Peifer and Reid 6-3 6-1.
The women’s doubles final saw South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane and Marjolein Buis of the Netherlands beat Van Koot and Lucy Shuker 6-0 6-1. – Sapa