US Open 2014: Andy Lapthorne wins final of wheelchair quad division
Monday 8 September 2014 00:41, UK
Britain's Andy Lapthorne won the first Grand Slam singles title of his career with victory in the wheelchair quad division at the US Open.
The 23-year-old from Middlesex defeated America's David Wagner 7-5 6-2, gaining revenge after losing to Wagner in his final round-robin match.
Lapthorne had previously enjoyed his best results in doubles, winning three Australian Open titles, a French Open as well as a Paralympic silver at London 2012.
His win capped an excellent couple of days for Britain's wheelchair players, with Jordanne Whiley on Saturday completing the calendar Grand Slam of women's doubles titles with partner Yui Kamiji of Japan.
Lapthorne, who had lost 6-3 6-1 to Wagner on Saturday, said: "For the US Open to be my first Grand Slam is so special because I love this place, the whole city is just great.
"I've visualised that match point before and when it happened I couldn't believe it. That's what I've always dreamed of.
"David is a legend of our division, so to beat him makes it all the more special. We always have tough battles as he sets the standard.
"Today was all heart and I felt like I served really well. I kept it consistent rather than big and that was my plan beforehand. My dad told me I always do things two years after Andy Murray and I've done it again with the title here."
