Paralympics tennis: the Netherlands and Britain impressed but fell short of expectations

Last Updated on 15 March 2025 by Racket One

The men’s and women’s Paralympic tennis finals concluded in Paris.

Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Kamiji Yui from Japan secured the gold medal after defeating reigning champion Diede de Groot from the Netherlands in a thrilling final with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The bronze medal also went to the Netherlands, as Aniek van Koot triumphed over China’s Wang Ziuing in straight sets: 7-6 (3), 6-1. While this was a significant achievement for van Koot, de Groot had higher expectations.

Before the final, no one had taken a set from de Groot in this Paralympic Games. However, Kamiji Yui’s determined effort in the final secured a decisive third set and ultimately, the victory. Until now, all eight previous Paralympic champions were from the Netherlands, but Japan has finally claimed the top spot! In the battle for bronze, Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez gave no chance to Spain’s Martin de la Puente, defeating him 6-1, 6-2.

The most dramatic moment of the tournament came in the men’s final, where current world number one Alfie Hewett lost to Japan’s Tokito Oda in three sets: 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. The British player’s disappointment is compounded by the fact that Paralympic gold in singles is the only major title he still hasn’t won.