Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
It’s good for SA – champ Sithole
ONE arm and no legs, but this hasn’t stopped Lucas Sithole from achieving all his dreams.
The triple amputee wheelchair tennis champion from Joburg has had a remarkable year – a few weeks ago he was voted the 2012 Gauteng Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, and last weekend made history by becoming the first player from the continent to win a Super Series title.
Sithole defeated World No 1 David Wagner (US) 7-5 6-7 6-4 to claim the quad’s singles title at the British Wheelchair Tennis Open final.
The 26-year-old has won 23 singles titles, including the Korea and Daegu Opens last month.
Sithole said he was delighted to become the first African to win a Super Series Title. “It feels so good for me. I am happy, very happy, and it is also very good for the sport and future of the sport in South Africa.”
Sithole’s final against world number one wheelchair tennis champ Wagner was, he admits, one of the toughest games he has played to date.
“The competition was tough and I was very nervous,” he said. “World number one David Wagner is a tough competitor, but I just stuck to my game plan. I had nothing to lose, only to gain.”
It was Sithole’s third Super Series singles final this year, and his second against Wagner.
He said the win meant a lot to him and his family.
“It is very rewarding to achieve your goals you have set for yourself. I am proud I could play my part in making history for South Africa and Africa, and I hope the youngsters in South Africa see that anything is possible if you believe.”