Superstar Sithole wins doubles title in Japan

SOUTH African wheelchair tennis champ Lucas Sithole, and doubles partner Dylan Alcott (AUS) recently caused a major upset when they toppled America’s defending champions and top seeds, David Wagner and Greg Hasterok, 7-5 6-2 in the final round of the 2015 Japan Open.

This is the third Super Series event on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour 2015 and it is the first time that Sithole and Alcott managed to defeat Wagner in a doubles final at any international event. It is also the second Super Series doubles title for both Alcott and Sithole for the 2015 season.

In the Quads Singles event, Alcott ended the title defence of South Africa’s world number four Lucas Sithole, as the Australian continued his first visit to the Japan Open with a 6-2 6-2 victory in the semi-final round. Despite having played each other the day before, the duo joined forces to face the top seeds and emerged victorious.

Sithole thanked the game sponsor for his win. “Dreams like these are made possible with the continued support from Airports Company South Africa, who have invested a great deal of time, effort and financial resources in South African Wheelchair Tennis” said Sithole following his win.

“I was hoping to take the singles title again but I am excited that my partner Dylan and I were able to clinch the doubles title,” Sithole continued.

The world number four quads player is now off to represent the country in the prestigious 2015 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Turkey, from May 25 to 31. Sithole will be joined by Kgothatso Montjane, Evans Maripa, Leon Els, Mariska Venter, Bongani Dlamini, Marshall Marsh, Thando Hlatshwayo and Danny Mohlamonyane in the International Tennis Federation (ITF)’s flagship wheelchair tennis team event.