Wheelchair Tennis Paralympics 2024
Wheelchair TennisWheelchair Tennis Paralympics 2024 is showcasing the world’s top athletes at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. Israel’s talented players, Adam Berdichevsky, Guy Sasson, Sergei Lysov, and Maayan Zikri, are among the competitors. This year’s US Open Tennis Championships has omitted men’s and women’s wheelchair and quads tennis events, as the Paralympics is hosting the best of wheelchair tennis talent from around the globe.
Awkward scheduling means the Paralympics wheelchair tournament coincides with the US Open every four years. While this clash occurs, a silver lining exists: the juniors wheelchair tournament will still take place at the US Open’s Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens, New York, as originally planned.
Israel is proudly represented by four talented athletes – Adam Berdichevsky, Guy Sasson, Sergei Lysov, and Maayan Zikri – in the wheelchair tennis event at Stade Roland Garros, which began on Friday and runs until September 7.
Israel Shines in Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis
Notably, Guy Sasson recently triumphed at the French Open quads title on the same courts. The Israeli team has made a strong start, with Adam Berdichevsky securing his first Paralympic singles victory. Berdichevsky, 40, who began playing wheelchair tennis after a 2007 boating accident, defeated Italy’s Luca Arca 6-2, 7-5 on Friday, building on his debut at Tokyo 2020.
You can’t imagine how thrilling it was to represent my country like this! Playing in front of a massive crowd for the first time felt like a home game – it was truly special. I’m overjoyed to have brought some joy to people during difficult times.
Earlier, I had the honor of carrying the Israeli flag, which was an incredible experience. Walking alongside my teammates was unforgettable, and it was amazing to see myself on TV. Now, I’m looking forward to my next challenge: facing Alexander Cataldo of Chile in round two.
Israeli Athlete Sergei Lysov Wins Paralympic Debut Match
Sergei Lysov, a 20-year-old Israeli athlete, made a remarkable Paralympic debut on Friday. Diagnosed with Perthes’ disease at age 9, Lysov immigrated to Israel from Russia in 2019 and has since excelled in wheelchair tennis. He defeated Brayan Tapia of Chile 7-5, 6-1, showcasing his skills on the international stage.
Lysov’s success continued as he advanced to the second round, facing off against top seed Alfie Hewett of Great Britain. Although Lysov’s journey ended with a 6-0, 6-1 loss to the 9-time Grand Slam singles champion, his achievement is still noteworthy. Hewett, a seasoned Paralympic athlete, praised Lysov’s talent and potential for future success.
Guy Sasson, the Roland Garros quad singles champion and No. 3 seed, dominated his first-round match against Francisco Cayulef of Chile, winning 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday. He then continued his winning streak on Monday, defeating Gregory Slade from Great Britain 6-1, 6-2 to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Sasson beamed with excitement, describing the electric atmosphere at Roland Garros. “Playing in a legendary stadium, surrounded by enthusiastic fans, was an incredible experience,” he said. “I had an absolute blast competing in this match.” Sasson credited his recent Roland Garros victory for boosting his confidence, saying, “Winning here two months ago gave me a huge lift. I adore the clay courts and the vibrant atmosphere, which I knew would serve me well at the Paralympics.”
Laayan Zikri, the sole female representative of Israel, triumphed in her first-round match, defeating Morocco’s Najwa Awane with a convincing score of 6-3, 6-2.
Wheelchair Tennis: A Paralympic Legacy Since 1992
Wheelchair tennis has been a proud part of the Summer Paralympic Games for nearly three decades, making its full-medal debut at Barcelona 1992. Its journey began as a demonstration event at Seoul 1988, featuring men’s and women’s singles tournaments. Since 1992, the men’s and women’s singles events have been a staple at every Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event. The quad singles and doubles events joined the lineup at Athens 2004, expanding the sport’s presence at the Games.
The Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event brings together 95 talented players from 28 nations, showcasing their skills in a thrilling competition. The tournament features singles matches played as best-of-three tie-break sets, while doubles matches follow a similar format with a match tie-break in the final set.
This year’s event marks the second time the Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event is held on outdoor clay courts, following its debut on clay at Barcelona 1992. Stade Roland Garros’ Court Philippe Chatrier and Court Suzanne Lenglen boast retractable roofs, ensuring uninterrupted play regardless of the weather.
Boaz Kramer, Executive Director of Israel ParaSport Center and a silver medalist in mixed doubles quads at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, beams with pride at the achievements of four tennis players and boccia player Nadav Levi, all part of his center in Ramat Gan.
The Israel ParaSport Center’s decade-long dedication to developing a unique tennis program has culminated in a remarkable achievement: four wheelchair tennis players from the center are competing in the Paralympic Games. This milestone is a dream come true for the center.
Boaz Kramer, Executive Director of the Israel ParaSport Center, expressed his pride and emotion, particularly when Adam Berdichevsky, a survivor of the October 7 attack, served as flag bearer in the opening ceremony.
As the Paralympics commenced in Paris, three of the four Israeli tennis players shared their excitement and preparations with The Jerusalem Post, offering a glimpse into their journey to the Games.
Sergei Lysov, originally from Russia, is focused on enhancing his language skills in Hebrew and English, and was unavailable for comment.
Maayan Zikri’s Journey to Para Sports Stardom
Maayan Zikri, a 21-year-old from Holon, openly shares her inspiring story. At age 10, while celebrating her sister’s bat mitzvah on a family trip to Holland, a water ride accident at an amusement park resulted in the loss of her right foot. Following multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, Zikri discovered para sports. She recalls, “Two wheelchair basketball coaches introduced me to the sport, spoke with my mom, and invited me to give it a try.”
The encouragement of her mother helped Maayan Zikri overcome her initial hesitation, and she enthusiastically tried wheelchair basketball. “I tried it and liked it!” she exclaimed. For five years, Zikri played competitively on a boys’ basketball team, embracing the international atmosphere.
Initially, she balanced both tennis and basketball, but soon chose to focus on tennis to avoid injuries. “Tennis is my passion now,” she says. “I miss basketball, but I don’t regret my decision.”
She started playing at age 15 and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving a No. 3 junior world ranking in 2021.
Maayan Zikri: Wheelchair Tennis Champion
Maayan Zikri’s tennis career has flourished since her first title win at the 2022 Hungarian Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship. She has gone on to claim titles in Switzerland, England, and Romania, with her most recent triumph being the X Open Bai De Setúbal in July 2023.
Representing Israel at the Paralympics fills Zikri with immense pride and joy. “It’s an honor to represent the country I love and our nation,” she says. “It brings me pride, joy, happiness, and excitement.”
Despite a tumultuous year, Berdichevsky is thrilled to have qualified for the Paralympics again. His journey has been marked by resilience, including surviving the October 7 Hamas invasion at Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak with his family.
Berdichevsky recounts the harrowing 14-hour ordeal in a safe room with his wife and three children, ages six, eight, and 10. The family later relocated to Eilat for two months, seeking refuge and a sense of normalcy.
Guy Sasson Shows Team Spirit with Heartfelt Gesture
Tennis teammate Guy Sasson, who resides in Houston, Texas, with his family, extended a thoughtful gesture to Adam Berdichevsky’s family. He suggested that the Jewish community consider hosting them, providing a supportive environment during challenging times.
The Berdichevsky family gratefully accepted the offer, spending six months in Houston. They experienced warmth and generosity from the community, receiving a home, a car, and educational support for their children. “We are deeply thankful for the Houston Jewish community’s kindness and hospitality,” Berdichevsky says.
Adam Berdichevsky’s sense of pride in representing Israel at the Paralympics has deepened, especially after the recent events. He feels it’s crucial to be a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring injured soldiers and showcasing the country’s spirit.
Sasson acknowledges the increased expectations and feels motivated to excel. “I’m well-prepared and feeling confident,” he says. “I hope to deliver the performance I’m aiming for.”
Like his teammates, Sasson senses a unique significance in representing Israel at this moment. The experience is fueling his determination to succeed.
Representing Israel at the Paralympics holds a deeper significance for the team, especially during these challenging times. “It’s more than just tennis,” says a team member. “We’re ambassadors for our country, and that comes with immense pride and responsibility.”
Roni Bolotin: Paralympic Triumph
Roni Bolotin, head of the Israeli delegation and a former Paralympic swimmer, shares this sentiment. He leads a team of 27 athletes competing in 10 events, including goalball.
Despite this being his 12th Paralympics, Bolotin’s enthusiasm remains unwavering. “The excitement never fades!” he exclaims, a testament to the enduring power of the Paralympic spirit.
Bolotin emphasized the transformative power of sports in rehabilitation. “Sports can be a game-changer for a full and rewarding life,” he said. “Our team is already working with rehab centers to show that sports can be a key part of the healing process and a path to a fulfilling life.”
Israel’s Tennis Team: A Winning Mix
Roni Bolotin beams with pride when discussing the Israeli tennis team competing in Paris. “We have a fantastic blend of experience and youth,” he says. “Our team consists of two seasoned veterans and two talented newcomers, making for a dynamic and promising combination.”
With this mix of skills and ages, Bolotin is optimistic about the team’s future. “The sky’s the limit for them!” he exclaims.
A total of $6,244,000 has been allocated for wheelchair tennis grants, player per diems, and hotel payments. This investment demonstrates the USTA’s commitment to inclusivity and support for athletes. In comparison, the total main draw and qualifying payments for the US Open amount to $75,000,000.
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