Wheelchair tennis legend David Hall celebrates 25 years since Sydney 2000

Twenty-five years ago, the world turned its eyes to the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. For Australian wheelchair tennis champion David Hall, winning gold on home soil gave him an opportunity to witness what he calls a “new era” in Para sport.

Speaking during a TikTok livestream with @Paralympics to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Paralympic Games, the eight-time US Open champion shared his favourite moments and his thoughts on the legacy of the Games.

The Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, which took place from 18-29 October 2000, gathered more than 3,800 athletes who competed in 550 medal events across 19 sports. Australian athletes stole the show, topping the overall medals table with 149 medals including 63 golds.

Reliving the golden moment

Looking back, Hall highlighted the evolution and progress sparked by the Paralympic Games, describing it as a turning point that elevated visibility and opportunity for athletes with disabilities.

“It was electric, like nothing we’d ever seen before. We could hear the noise as we waited to be introduced as the home country (during the Opening Ceremony). Then you walk in and realise the stadium is packed with 100,000 people,” the six-time Paralympic medallist said.

“it was a sea of faces. I was trying to spot my parents, my coach, my girlfriend…but it was impossible. Right then, you knew these Games were going to be massive.”

For Hall, who went on to win gold in the men’s singles and a silver in the men’s doubles, the Sydney Games were the culmination of years of preparation and mental strength.

“For me, it was gold or nothing. That was my mentality. I didn’t want bronze or silver. You’ve got to compartmentalise, focus on match by match, day by day. This is what I was chasing, this medal.”

After seven years of preparation and expectation, he beat Team USA’s Stephen Welch in three sets in the final. Celebrating with a home crowd made the victory all the more special, he said.

“When it actually happens, you’re in a state of disbelief. You’ve been chasing this for so long, and you know you’ll never get another chance to win gold at home. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Behind the triumph was an unwavering mental routine built over a decade on the international circuit.

“I used mental cues from sports psychology. You block out where you are and what you’re playing for. Yes, there’s pressure at home, but I’d learned how to lock in.

“Tennis is a momentum sport, it can turn fast. I just held it together mentally and emotionally long enough to push through.”

Change Starts with Sport

Hall began playing wheelchair tennis at 19, three years after he lost his legs due to an accident. He was ranked world No. 1 in singles and doubles and won every major title in the sport, including medals in singles and doubles at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

Hall competed at four Paralympic Games before retiring from the sport in 2006. He transitioned into coaching and became a passionate ambassador for wheelchair tennis and Para sport. He has also published a book about his journey and experience of competing on the biggest stage.

Twenty-five years after the Sydney 2000 Closing Ceremony on 29 October Hall is clear about their significance of the Games.

“I think Sydney changed everything. It took the Paralympics into the stratosphere. It never really looked back. It was massive for my sport and for all Paralympic sports. Just two years later, there was a full wheelchair tennis event at the Australian Open. Now it’s in every Grand Slam. Sydney was the catalyst.”

Wheelchair tennis has evolved since Sydney 2000, Hall says.

“The game today is faster, the serve is more dominant, the depth of play is greater. I love where wheelchair tennis has gone.”

Taking the spotlight at Brisbane 2032 

And what is his advice for the next generation of Australian athletes who are aiming to compete on home soil at Brisbane 2032?

“Prepare, prepare, prepare. And when you think you’ve done preparing, prepare some more. Don’t get swept up in the moment.

"If there’s a moment from your competition where things start going off the rails, don’t panic, trust what you’ve done in that preparation.”