Johannesburg, South Africa – At 41 years of age, world top ranked wheelchair tennis player, David Wagner says “you’re never too old to be the best in the world.”
Speaking to the South African media from his home in California, USA on Wednesday, Wagner said he was looking forward to travelling to South Africa next week to play in the Airports Company South Africa Gauteng Open (Benoni 8-12 April) followed by the Airports Company South Africa SA Open (Johannesburg 14-18 April).
Wagner, the defending champion at both events said so long as he is healthy and competitive he will continue to play the game he loves and work at being the best in world wheelchair tennis.
In August of 1995 Wagner lost his ability to walk as a result of an accident in the surf off the coast of Redondo, California. The result of the accident was a broken net which damaged his spinal cord. Prior to the accident, David was a collegiate level tennis player and upon becoming paralyzed, doctors had little hope that he would ever walk again let alone play tennis. But in rehab he gained back the love for tennis and started to train again.
“I was not going to give up. I knew that I was strong enough to make a go of it so I put my best into training after the accident and go all out 1005 to be the best I could be despite being in a wheelchair” said Wagner.
Wagner’s efforts paid off, he turned professional and now travels all over the world doing what he loves, playing tennis. His schedule is demanding, playing between 15-20 tournaments annually plus the Grand Slam events and Paralympic Games. In total since turning professional Wagner has won 35 singles titles, 23 doubles titles including 14 Grand Slam titles. Wagner competed in the Paralympic Games in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) and London (2012) winning 3 Golds, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals in singles and doubles.
“I enjoy training, the competition and travel and everything that comes with it” said Wagner. “I always try and play my best and drive myself to be the best I can be and put in my best effort. My love for wheelchair tennis is so great and travelling the world, winning titles and giving back to the game will hopefully inspire other wheelchair tennis players around the world.”
Wagner had full praise for Wheelchair Tennis South Africa and their sponsors Airports Company South Africa. “South Africa knows what wheelchair tennis is all about. They are doing a phenomenal job promoting the game. It’s incredible to believe that in such a short time of their existence they have over 500 players involved in wheelchair tennis. This obviously illustrates that their development programmes are on song and they have professional people running the game. The future in South Africa is bright for men and women players in wheelchairs.”
South Africa has become a good hunting ground for Wagner. “I always enjoy my time in South Africa, who put on great well organised events and have great weather complimenting their tournaments.”
Wagner said that South African Lucas Sithole would remain one of his biggest threats to defending both titles. “Lucas is a great player and champion. We have played each other a number of times and had good matches. Depending on the draw we could face each other again and I know if we play each other we will both put in our best.”
Wagner rebuked the idea that Sithole’s form over the past two years had dropped . “I don’t think Luca’s game had dropped in standard, I just think that all the quad players have stepped up their respective games and the draws are more competitive especially as the Rio Paralympics are approaching. Lucas is and will remain a major contender on the tour.”
Wagner said he was hard at work preparing for the South African swing of the world UNIQLO wheelchair tennis tour. “I played in the Pensacola Open and Cajun Classic as part of my preparation for South Africa. I have also been training with my coaches and feel strong and fit and feel 100% percent ready for South Africa.”