Dylan Alcott didn’t have the fairytale finish to his quad wheelchair career he had hoped for, but the Australian tennis legend has departed with perhaps his most inspirational speech yet.
Alcott lost to Dutchman Sam Schroder 7-5 6-0 in the Australian Open final at Rod Laver Arena and then got the chance to address his supporters as a professional tennis player for the final time.
His words must have brought a tear to thousands of eyes in Australia and abroad, as the 15-time singles major champion declared himself “the luckiest guy in the world” and gave a shout-out to those in the crowd with a disability.
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A host of people in wheelchairs – young and old – were in attendance at Melbourne Park as Alcott farewelled the tennis world, cheering on their hero a final time.
“I’m really the luckiest guy in the world and I didn’t need to win today to realise that,” Alcott said.
“It would have been nice to win but, to be honest, I’m still the luckiest person that I’ve ever met. I’m the luckiest guy in this country, if not the luckiest person in the world to live this life that I live.
“And it’s because (of) you, everybody watching here today, that people like me, people with a disability – we are getting not only the recognition, but we are integrated and involved in our society. We want to be more and more involved every single day.”
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Then came the nod to the many people in the crowd with a disability.
“If you look up on the middle ring and see how many people with disability are here … That’s the reason I get out of bed,” Alcott said.
“Honestly, it really is.
“To my community, thanks for always backing me. I hope I make you proud over the next 12 months as your Australian of the Year.
“It’s the last time I’ll ever get to speak on this court.
“Thanks to every single person for changing my life. I appreciate it so much.”
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Nine’s Wide World of Sports coverage captured a heart-warming moment as Alcott paid tribute to those in the crowd with a disability, with two people in wheelchairs reaching from several metres apart to give each other a high-five.
And then came another incredible moment when Australian doubles great Todd Woodbridge, leading the post-match ceremony, mentioned that the 6pm 9News bulletins had been delayed until the end of the match.
Alcott, by this point in the background having completed his speech, cracked a beaming smile and gave a thumbs-up.
“My purpose used to be to win sporting events, but it’s not any more,” Alcott said later in the evening.
“It’s to change perceptions so people with disability can live the lives they want to live.”
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