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Wheelchair Tennis on Arthur Ashe Stadium For First Time

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US Open wheelchair tennis was played for the first time ever today in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, seeded No. 2, defeated Japan’s Shingo Kunedia and Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez in the first match, 6-3, 6-2.

“We knew a few days ago that some matches would be played on Ashe,” said Hewett, 19. “I found out at 8 pm last night – it was a nice surprise.”

“It was incredible to have that opportunity as wheelchair players,” said Reid, 25. “It’s showing the respect that wheelchair tennis is gaining, a great first match here. It’s probably the nicest court I played on, so for me, it really is the stuff that dreams are made of, to play on Ashe. Hopefully, it’s not the last time.”

Following the men’s doubles match, American Dana Mathewson and Aniek van Koot, of the Netherlands, upset No. 2 seeds Yui Kamiji, of Japan, and Lucy Shuker, of Great Britain, in a tight 0-6, 6-4, [10-5], match.

The US Open Wheelchair Tennis Competition continues through Sunday across the men’s, women’s and quad divisions. It follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis except that the ball can bounce twice.

Wheelchair Tennis - Arthur Ashe Stadium
Wheelchair Tennis – Arthur Ashe Stadium

Wheelchair Tennis Debuts in Ashe Stadium

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Alfie Hewett
Alfie Hewett

Arthur Ashe Stadium is celebrating its 20th year hosting US Open matches, yet none of those contests involved wheelchair tennis—until today. In the first stadium match of Day 11, Alfie Hewett (pictured) and Gordon Reid defeated Shingo Kunedia and Gustavo Fernandez, 6-3, 6-2, in the first wheelchair tennis match ever played on American tennis’ grandest stage. They were followed by women’s semifinalists Dana Mathewson and Aniek van Koot, who defeated Yui Kamiji and Lucy Shuker 0-6, 6-4, [10-5].

“It was incredible to have that opportunity as wheelchair players,” Reid says. “It’s showing the respect that wheelchair tennis is gaining, a great first match here. It’s probably the nicest court I played on, so for me, it really is the stuff that dreams are made of. Hopefully, it’s not the last time.”

Photo by Chris Nicholson, author of ‘Photographing Tennis.’ Follow Chris’ US Open photos on Instagram (@ShootingTennis).

"Strength and Vulnerability": Esther Vergeer and her Emotional Decision to Retire from Tennis

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By Rick Gleijm

ROTTERDAM (Feb. 12, 2013) — After a ten year winning streak that included 42 Grand Slams and 7 Paralympic titles, 31-year-old Esther Vergeer has retired from the sport of wheelchair tennis, ending one of the most prestigious careers in all of sports.
The Woerden, Netherland native conducted am emotional book presentation and reading of her biography “Esther Vergeer: Strength and Vulnerability” to a room filled with media, family and friends at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament today in Rotterdam.
She began by reading out loud the final chapter of her book, explaining how the decision to retire from wheelchair tennis slowly developed. She was unable to hold back the tears when she came to the concluding paragraph.


“During the Australian Open, where everyone in the wheelchair tennis circuit was playing the first Grand Slam of 2013, I was sitting home on the sofa with Marijn, watching the matches quietly from a distance and at the same time looking at the beautiful snowy landscape in Woerden. It felt wonderful. I made my decision, I quit,” stated Vergeer.
She continued: “I am very proud of my achievements and my titles, and am looking back on my career with a wonderful feeling. Continuing had no added value … It can’t become more beautiful than this.”
Afterwards a short interview with Esther by Dutch anchorwoman Quinty Trustfull, followed by distribution of the first copies to Richard Krajicek and Johan Cruijff. Finally her parent, brother and friend were called on stage, receiving a copy as well.