Victorian Institute of Sport’s Dylan Alcott has continued to show the world why he is No. 1, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive Australian Open quad wheelchair singles title.
One day after winning the doubles title with fellow VIS scholarship holder Heath Davidson, the Australian top seed dealt his American rival, David Wagner, another blow with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) victory on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
His fifth Australia Open title and seventh Grand Slam title didn’t come as easy as Alcott would’ve liked, dropping four straight games from 5-2 up in the second set, before breaking the No.2 seed to force a tiebreak.
And on his home soil, Alcott brought it home winning the tiebreak 7-2 and ensuring his five-year winning streak lived on.
Gracious in victory, the long term VIS scholarship holder had nothing but praise for his American rival;
“I want to thank Wags on an incredible match,” the 28-year-old Alcott said.
“I think that was one of the best matches I’ve ever played,” he added.
Alcott and countryman Davidson defeated Wagner and Briton Andy Lapthorne to win the doubles title on Thursday.
Alcott’s emotional message
to people with disabilities
“I remember I was 14 years old and I was lying in bed, and all I wanted to do was make it in the mainstream in some way,” an emotional Alcott said.
“I wanted to show that people with disability can be elite at what they do. I wanted to show them that they could be normal people, get a job, work, have fun, have a partner, do all the things everyone takes for granted.”
“This match was broadcast into every single TV in Australia. That meant a lot to me and it meant a lot to the 4.5 million people in Australia with a disability.”
“It’s been great for me but I want it to be great for a lot more people than just me.”
