Shingo Kunieda, the world’s top-ranked wheelchair tennis player, has announced his retirement from the sport. The 38-year-old made the announcement on Twitter, stating that he had “done enough” and had a “marvelous life” as a player. Kunieda will hold a press conference on Feb. 7 to discuss his decision.
Kunieda is the first male wheelchair tennis player to achieve a career Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Paralympics. With 28 singles titles and 22 doubles titles in Grand Slam tournaments, he is a legend in the sport. He has also won three Paralympic gold medals in singles and one in doubles.
In 2021, Kunieda made history by winning Wimbledon for the first time, completing the Golden Slam. He revealed on Twitter that he began considering retirement after serving as captain of the Japanese delegation at the Tokyo Paralympics.
The news of Kunieda’s retirement comes as a shock to the tennis world, as he has been a dominant force in the sport for many years. His achievements and contributions to wheelchair tennis have made him a true icon and role model for aspiring athletes.
Kunieda’s impact on the sport goes beyond his impressive record on the court. He has been an inspiration to many with his perseverance and dedication, proving that anything is possible with hard work and determination. As he prepares to bid farewell to competitive tennis, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of wheelchair tennis players.
Throughout his career, Kunieda has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in wheelchair tennis, breaking down barriers and proving that disability is not a limitation. His retirement marks the end of an era in the sport, but his influence will be felt for years to come.
As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life, Kunieda’s impact on the sport and the countless lives he has touched will not be forgotten. His retirement is a bittersweet moment for the tennis community, as they say goodbye to a true legend of the game.
