Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Australia’s leading wheelchair players, Heath Davidson and Ben Weekes, begin their Australian Open 2023 campaigns today.
The start of the wheelchair competitions coincides with the tournament’s inaugural All Abilities Day, which celebrates diverse tennis pathways and why the Australian Open is one of the most accessible and inclusive events in the world.
World No.3 Davidson, who won the Victorian Wheelchair Open title earlier this month, can’t wait to be part of the action at Melbourne Park today.
“I love being here. It’s my favourite tournament of the year,” said the four-time Australian Open doubles champion.
“The Australian Open has always loved and welcomed wheelchairs, so I’m super excited to be back. A little bit quieter this year without Dylan (Alcott) floating around on the court with me, but hopefully I can continue the good fortune that us Aussies have had on the court.”
The 38-year-old Weekes contested his first Australian Open in 2001 and always relishes the home-crowd support.
“We’re travelling a lot during the year, so it’s always great to play your home Slam and get your team out there, and family and friends down watching,” he said. “I’m very excited to be out there in front of everyone.”
Davidson and Weekes are among 23 Aussies scheduled to compete on day nine at Australian Open 2023.
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Aussies in action:
[WC] Lizette Cabrera (AUS)/John-Patrick Smith (AUS) v Luisa Stefani (BRA)/Rafael Matos (BRA)
Mixed doubles, quarterfinals, Rod Laver Arena, first match (from 11am AEDT)
Townsville talents Cabrera and Smith are enjoying an exciting run. This is 24-year-old Cabrera’s career-best result in a Grand Slam mixed doubles draw. While Smith, who celebrates his 34th birthday today, has reached his third major mixed doubles quarterfinal and first since 2020. The Aussie wildcards now play Brazilian duo, world No.34 Stefani and world No.29 Matos.
[WC] Ben Weekes (AUS) v Martin de la Puente (ESP)
Men’s wheelchair singles, first round, Margaret Court Arena, first match (from 11am AEDT)
Weekes, a 38-year-old from Sydney ranked No.26, is taking a no-pressure approach into his first-round showdown with De la Puente, a 23-year-old Spaniard ranked No.8. “I’m the wildcard, so every draw is going to be tough for me,” said the Australian No.1. “I’m just going to go out there and do my thing on court and…
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