Paris 2024: Wheelchair tennis player Oda expresses that Paris holds a special significance for him.

   Alfie Hewett, Tokito Oda, Martin De La Puente, and Gustavo Fernandez, the top four players in the world, commenced their Paralympic wheelchair tennis competition at Roland-Garros Stadium on Sunday.   

  "The Paralympic tournament for wheelchair tennis commenced at Roland-Garros Stadium on Sunday, featuring the top four players in the world.   Alfie Hewett from Great Britain, Todiko Oda from Japan, Martin De La Puente from Spain, and Gustavo Fernandez from Argentina all advanced to the round of 16 in matches that varied in style and intensity."  

  The top-ranked player in the world had a successful start in his debut Paralympic tournament.   Alfie Hewett from Great Britain won his match and advanced to the last 16. Hewett, who is from Norwich, expressed his excitement for the matches to begin, as he spent his time practicing while other players were competing. 

 

In his match against Segei Lysov of Israel, Hewett secured victory in two sets, conceding only one game.   The 26-year-old Para athlete acknowledged that Lysov was a new opponent to him, but he was pleased with the competition as it helped him get into the rhythm of the tournament.  

  "According to France's top wheelchair tennis player, Stéphane Houdet, the para tennis players in Japan, particularly Shingo Kunieda and his successor Tokito Oda, are considered as real stars in the sport.   Kunieda's success with four Paralympic gold medals has significantly influenced the growth of wheelchair tennis in Japan. Oda, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world at just 18 years old, has already clinched the French Open singles title twice.In his first match of the competition, Oda competed against Ben Bartram from Britain and faced a tough challenge, eventually going to a thrilling tie-break in the second set before winning (6-2, 7-6(4)). Oda commended his opponent's performance, acknowledging the great quality of tennis played during the match."  

  De La Puente found it simple to win against Argentina's Ezequiel Casco on court 14. The third-ranked player in the world dominated the match, only dropping two games with a score of 6-2, 6-0. He expressed his joy at the intimate atmosphere on the court.   Having his family in the audience made him feel comfortable.   This is his third Paralympic Games appearance, and he hopes to advance past the quarter-finals for the first time, with his next challenge being Dutchman Maikel Scheffers on Monday. 

 

Facing challenging circumstances in his fourth Paralympic Games, Gustavo Fernandez had to battle not only against Frenchman Frédéric Cattaneo but also the French crowd.   Despite a slight setback in the second set, the Para athlete managed to secure a 6-1, 6-4 victory. 

 

The former top-ranked player was thrilled to be back in Paris and competing at the Stade Roland-Garros. He considered it the ultimate place to play tennis, praising the incredible crowd and overall ambiance.