Tennis wheelchair champion Alcott retires after the Australian Open

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Wheelchair tennis world number one Dylan Alcott is looking for a record eighth consecutive Australian Open championship at his home Grand Slam before giving up the sport, he said Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Melbourne man is set to go to the top after playing the “Golden Slam” in 2021, winning all four doubles championships at the Grand Slam and his second consecutive Paralympic gold in Tokyo.

“This is my home and the Australian Open changed my life, tennis changed my life,” Alcott told reporters in Melbourne Park.

“Without tennis, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today, possibly sitting here at all.

“I owe it all, and what better way to end up in my hometown in front of the crowds, in front of the big, big crowds after the year we had, over the last couple of years. It’s going to be amazing. ”

The 15-time Grand Slam champion, a prominent media figure in Australia, said he “spins too many plates” and wanted the next generation a chance to shine.

“I feel unnecessary, I feel old, I feel a little exhausted,” he said.

“It’s their turn to manage and get the recognition they deserve, so I’m really looking forward to getting there and getting it done again, and hopefully getting to 16 (Grand Slams).”

Alcott, who grabbed his beer from the US Open for the delight of fans at Flushing Meadows in September, sprayed champagne at the Melbourne Park field after announcing his retirement and took a big bottle of humor.

“Being a good tennis player is probably the 32nd priority in my life,” said Alcott, an outspoken advocate for disability rights.

“Being a good person is number one. And being a good advocate for my community so they can change the perceptions of people like me so they can live the life they deserve and get the opportunities I have had.”

(Report by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; surgery by Peter Rutherford)