Australia’s wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott has capped a memorable 2020 by finishing the year as the International Tennis Federation’s world number one for quad singles.
Key points:
- Alcott won this year’s Australian Open and French Open titles
- In 2020, Alcott became the first quad player to win 10 grand slam titles
- His only loss all year was in the US Open final against Sam Schroder
It is the fifth time Alcott has claimed the year-end top spot, repeating his achievements from 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
In January, Alcott became the first quad player to claim 10 Grand Slam singles titles with his sixth Australian Open triumph.
He added another major title in October, when he defended his French Open crown with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over his doubles partner Andy Lapthorne at Roland Garros.
The 30-year-old finished the year with an 18-1 singles win-loss record, his only defeat coming in the US Open final, where he finished runner-up to Sam Schroder of the Netherlands.
“In such a strange year, it is a massive honour to finish the year as world number one,” Alcott said.
“A big thanks to my team and everyone who supports me. I also want to send my love to everyone who has done it tough in 2020.
“Let’s hope we can all keep working together and get ready for a — hopefully — brighter 2021.”
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) also held their annual awards ceremony.
Novak Djokovic was the year-end number one for a record-equalling sixth time after winning four titles including a record eighth Australian Open.
US Open champions Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares are the top ranked doubles team.
Roger Federer, who played only six singles all year, was the singles fans’ favourite for a record-extending 18th straight year, and Rafael Nadal received the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the third year in a row and fourth time overall after winning a 13th Roland Garros crown.
AAP
