Kgothatso Montjane inspires with Roland Garros doubles win

Quick read

• Kgothatso Montjane and Yui Kamiji won the 2024 French Open women’s wheelchair doubles title.

• They came from a set down to defeat China’s Xiaohui Li and Ziying Wang, winning 10–7 in the final.

• This marks the pair’s fourth Grand Slam title together, having also won the French Open (2023), US Open, and Wimbledon.

• Speaking to Polokwane Observer, she expressed gratitude for her career and the opportunity to inspire others.

• Her message to others: “Your situation doesn’t define you. Change is where growth begins.”

• Read the full story below

Full story

POLOKWANE – Polokwane-born wheelchair tennis player Kgothatso Montjane alongside her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, claimed their fourth Grand Slam title last Friday by reclaiming the French Open women’s doubles crown at Roland Garros.

The duo fought back from a set down to defeat the Chinese pair Xiaohui Li and Ziying Wang, eventually securing a 10–7 victory in a thrilling final.

Montjane, who only started playing tennis at the age of 19, has continued to make history.

Together with Kamiji, she also lifted the Roland Garros title in 2023, and the pair went on to win both the US Open and Wimbledon titles in the same year. Montjane became the first South African woman to win a Wimbledon title.

Speaking to Polokwane Observer, Montjane expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

“Being the first African wheelchair player to play in four Grand Slams is such an honour. It’s tough to remain in the top rankings, and it takes a lot of work to consistently qualify for these tournaments. I’m incredibly proud and grateful. Well done to all the other players who competed as well.”

She hopes her journey inspires others. “Your situation doesn’t define you. Life is hard, but if you truly want something better, you must embrace change. You start somewhere – and change is where growth begins. There’s always a chance to change.”