From Sam Schröder’s perspective, his victory in the Australian Open quad wheelchair singles final goes beyond simply adding another major trophy to his collection.
Schröder, who defeated fellow Dutchman Niels Vink 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 in the tournament decider, wants to showcase the importance of wheelchair tennis.
If he inspires others to take up the sport, that’s more significant to the seven-time major singles champion than his win on Saturday.
“I think wheelchair tennis is something that we just really have to keep pushing to grow the size of the grand slams, but also just general other tournaments,” Schröder told his media conference after the final.
“I think it’s a very important aspect of tennis in general.
“There’s millions of people all over the world who have some form of a disability. I hope it’s really empowering for them to see what we can do in the chair.
“That’s why I wanted to be able to show a high level like this today.”
Schröder’s triumph as top seed clinched a fourth straight singles crown at Melbourne Park.
His winning run began in 2022 when he beat Dylan Alcott in the Australian’s final on-court appearance.
He also won the doubles final alongside Briton Andy Lapthorne on Friday, with the duo defeating top seeds Vink and Israel’s Guy Sasson.
Schröder (left) embraces countryman Niels Vink after sealing victory in straight sets. (Getty Images: Graham Denholm)
“I think it’s very special for me to once again have won a (singles) tournament,” Schröder said.
“After the first one, you want the second one. Unbelievable to have won the fourth one. It’s really crazy when I think about it.
“I think winning a grand slam (tournament) is very special.
“I think for me, after the last few months, it’s been quite rough. Really just proud of myself that I’ve been able to show this level this week.
“I think that ultimately made it extra special for me.”
Schröder triumphed at Melbourne Park without a coach in his corner. (Getty Images: Graham Denholm)
Schröder’s “rough” build-up revolved around a change to his coaching set-up last year.
While he’s in the process of looking for a new mentor, the 25-year-old took satisfaction from winning in Melbourne without the assistance of a coach in the stands.
“I think it’s difficult in the beginning because, of course, you’re used to certain things, having a coach next to you,” he said.
“I think, ultimately, it’s really going to benefit me in the long run because I’ll really have to think about everything myself.
“That’s really going to make me a better player overall.”
In other results on Saturday, top seed Yui Kamiji won her third women’s wheelchair singles championship with a straight-sets defeat of Aniek van Koot of the Netherlands.
Kamiji posted a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline to add to her victories at the 2017 and 2020 Australian Opens.
