Dylan Alcott exhibited sheer class before losing the gold medal match in the wheelchair tennis quad finals at the Tokyo Paralympics.
In a shock defeat for the No.1 seeded team, Alcott and Heath Davidson were beaten in straight sets by Dutch duo Sam Schroder and Niels Vink last night’s final, taking home silver after going down 6-4 6-3 at Tokyo’s Ariake Tennis Centre Court.
Play was halted briefly in the first set due to rain, with officials closing the roof during the delay. Before the match got underway there were still wet patches on the court and Alcott decided to pitch in. He helped volunteers wipe up water from the court with a towel even though he could have spent that time mentally preparing for the gold medal match.
Alcott will have another opportunity to clinch Paralympic gold in the quad singles gold medal match against Schroder tonight. The Australian is also gunning for a piece of history in trying to secure the “Golden Slam” this year, which involves winning all four major tennis singles titles plus the Paralympics title in the same year.
The 30-year-old has already taken home the Australian, French and Wimbledon titles.
Alcott described yesterday’s semi-final victory over Dutch teenager Vink as the best moment of his career after sharing an emotional exchange with his opponent following the three-hour marathon.
“He’s half my age, what a little legend he is, Niels,” Alcott said.
“I know he read my book growing up. I sent him a birthday video for his 18th (birthday). We’re mates.
“When I hugged him at the end he was in tears. He wouldn’t let go and I just said I was so proud of him, how well he played.
“I’m just so proud of him.”
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