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Dylan Alcott prevailed in one of the greatest matches in wheelchair tennis history to earn the right to defend his Paralympics quad singles gold medal with a three-set win over Dutch teen talent Niels Vink on Tuesday night.
In a showdown destined to long-remembered, the old pro Alcott needed two-and-a-half hours to hold back the passing of the baton to the new star, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
The pair shared a prolonged, tear-laden embrace after the match, as Alcott booked a meeting with fellow Dutchman and world No.2 Sam Schroder in the final.
The 30-year-old world No.1 has become known for media eloquence, but anyone who saw the contest couldn’t question the genuineness of his hyperbole after such a dramatic night.
“That was the hardest match I have ever played. Not the best quality from start to finish, but the best contest I have ever been a part of,” Alcott said.
“That match point he saved (in the final game) I had a full body cramp, I almost killed a lineswoman and I was in agony … and to win it is the proudest I have been on a tennis court.”
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The post-match emotion between the pair was an outward display of a deep-seated camaraderie based on fierce competitiveness and respect.
While the result maintains Alcott’s unbeaten record over Vink in five matches, the Australian can sense his time as the dominant force at the top of quad tennis might be nearing its end.
“He’s a young kid and that was just special – and I’m glad I held onto the changing of the guard for one more match,” he said.
“I’m better because of the generation before me and they didn’t get the recognition they deserve.
“Niels is not only making me better, hopefully I am making him better, and we just want to leave the sport in a better spot for the next generation.
“I’m just so proud of him.”
There were 12 breaks of serve in a match which was briefly interrupted five games into the second set to close to roof due to rain.
The energy and passion of both players was palpable, to a point where Vink was warned for ball abuse late in the second set.
Vink hit 39 winners to Alcott’s 19 and the Australian served at only 59 per cent first serves into play.
The young Dutchman and teammate Schroder have an immediate chance for a form of revenge, as they take on reigning champions Alcott and Heath Davidson in the quad doubles final on Wednesday.
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TUESDAY RESULTS
Quad singles semi-final
Dylan Alcott (AUS) (1) d Niels Vink (NED) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
Sam Schroder (NED) (2) def. Koji Sugeno (JPN) 6-2, 6-3
WEDNESDAY MATCHES
Quad doubles final
Alcott / Davidson (AUS) (1) v Schroder / Vink (NED) (2) – 5th on centre court
By: Quentin Hull, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 31 August 2021
