Sithole takes on the world’s best
South Africa's first-ranked wheelchair tennis player, Lucas Sithole, is currently participating in the 2014 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters competition in the United Kingdom.
The tournament started on November 26 and will end on November 30. It is being played at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
Sithole also plays for the Gauteng North Wheelchair Basketball team, whose home ground is the Mandeville Indoor Sports Centre.
Ms Bianca Morkel, from Wheelchair Tennis SA, said the top eight men’s and women’s singles and the top four quad singles players were sent to the championships.
She added that the country’s number one tennis player, Kgothatso Montjane, is also competing in the UK.
“Both these athletes are focused and determined to regain their world ranking. Kgothatso and Lucas are well-rested and determined to do well at the NEC Masters. They are extremely talented athletes who love playing the game,” she said.
She added that the NEC Masters Tournament is played in a round robin format.
“Much like the ATP World Tour Finals and WTA Championships, it guarantees a player will face at least four of the top eight players in the world to gain the title,” she said.
Ms Morkel added that the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters was initiated in 1994 to honour the top players who showed dedication and professionalism to the sport. She also said the tournament has become the most coveted trophy among the top players.
