Paralympic Games
24 August - 5 September 2021

Wheelchair tennis player Stefan Olsson calls it a day after five Paralympic Games

Surgery and kids time on the agenda for 34-year-old Swedish veteran 30 Aug 2021
Imagen
Steven Olsson plays a shot in front of Tokyo 2020 logo
Olsson in action at Tokyo 2020
ⒸLintao Zhang/Getty Images
By IPC

Stefan Olsson bowed out of the wheelchair tennis at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games then announced his retirement.

Swede Olsson, who was competing in his fifth Paralympic Games, lost his men's singles third round match to Tom Egberink of Netherlands 6-1, 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Monday at the Ariake Tennis Park.

“It's been hard, I have had a really big hip problem now for almost two years," Olsson said. “I haven't really been able to practise as hard as I want, so I get a little bit fatigued.

“I'm going for surgery this autumn, but we just decided that this will be my last year as a professional. I've been doing this for almost 20 years so I think it's time. I've got two kids back home. It's not so easy to be away any more.”

The 34-year-old had no regrets at the way he waved goodbye to Tokyo 2020.

Take-away memories

“I played amazing in the first set, exactly how I wanted. I got a little bit softer, didn't play as aggressive in the second set, and Tom took over.

“In the third set, it was tight in the beginning, but he played a little bit better, and I got tired in the end. I haven't been able to practise the way I want, but he was the better player today.”

Olsson will take Paralympic memories away with him and cites London 2012 as the favourite.

“It must be gold in doubles in London 2012. It was such an experience. London 2012 - I remember everything from just walking through the courts, being in the stadium fully packed with spectators. Everything was amazing. It was the biggest goal of my career.”