After Wimbledon heroics, local tennis star eyes Paralympic podium
Having delivered a career breakthrough performance at the Wimbledon tennis tournament two weeks ago, local wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane says she is ready to challenge for a medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Kgothatso Montjane made history two weeks ago by becoming the first black South African woman to compete in a singles final at Wimbledon.
Though she lost to top seed Diede Groot of the Netherlands in her maiden Grand Slam trophy battle, after playing with back pain due to a tough schedule at the prestigious tournament, Montjane said on her arrival back in South Africa it had given her a boost in confidence as she prepares for her main goal of the season at the Paralympics next month.
Montjane, who also reached the doubles final at Wimbledon with British veteran Lucy Shuker, will turn out in the singles and doubles competitions at the Games, with TuksTennis compatriot Mariska Venter receiving a wild card entry.
“The first goal going into the Paralympics was to make sure I was seeded, and that box has been ticked,” Montjane told the media during a webinar following her success at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club.
According to Montjane, she took every match at Wimbledon like she was playing at the Paralympics, and she reached the final.
“So, I’m positive that finishing on the podium is possible and that has always been my goal. I don’t care which medal I get, as long as I finish on the podium at the Paralympics, I’ll be happy,” she remarked.
Photo: Supplied
Born in Polokwane, Limpopo with a congenital birth defect, she went through a single amputation below the knee at the age of 12. She began her tennis career at 19 years of age, when she received the equipment necessary for her to play wheelchair tennis.
Montjane completed a BSC Degree in Recreation and Leisure at the University of Venda 2010.
However, she recently relocated to Pretoria where she currently trains at University of Pretoria with Siyabulela Nkachela, her tennis coach.
After firmly establishing her place among the global elite, Montjane hoped her latest performance would inspire the youth in South Africa, and across the African continent.
“Sometimes you just have to forget about your background and the challenges you have faced. You have to dig deep within yourself and see what you can really do, and if you love what you do, you will excel,” the 35-year-old player from Limpopo said in a message to her young fans.
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