Big Contenders at Japan Open

The world’s No. 1-ranked male Wheelchair Tennis player Shingo Kunieda took the win for the host country at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour in Iizuka, Fukuoka, Japan.

Part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Super Series on 16 May, Kunieda was in incredible form as he sped through the first set of the Men's Singles final in a rematch of the 2009 decider against the world’s number two ranked Stephane Houdet (FRA). Kunieda went on to win his fifth successive Japan Open title with a 6-0, 6-4 victory.

In the Women’s Singles, the world’s number six ranked Daniela di Toro (AUS) won her sixth Japan Open title after a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Dutch top seed Sharon Walraven. This time di Toro needed no further invitation to seal the victory and put away another forehand smash to secure her first Japan Open title since 2002, and her first Super Series title since making her comeback to the sport in 2007.

In the Quad Singles competition, the world’s number two ranked David Wagner (USA) took on the world’s number five ranked and second seed Sarah Hunter (CAN). Wagner retained his title after a 6-0, 6-0 victory.

Another 6-0, 6-0 victory later in the day saw Japanese top seeds Kunieda and Satoshi Saida defeat French second seeds Frederic Cattaneo and Nicolas Peifer in the Men's Main Draw Doubles final. In the Women’s Doubles final, Walraven partnered with Thailand's Sakhorne Khanthasit to beat Kanako Domori (JPN) and Myung-Hee Hwang (KOR) 6-0, 6-2.

Athletes continue to look to future tournaments and raise their rankings in Wheelchair Tennis.