Tennis star flies South African flag high

South African wheelchair tennis player Kgothatso Montjane has made South Africa proud after bagging her third Grand Slam title together with her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji.

The number one seeds recently defeated Dutch duo, Diede De Groot and Jiske Griffioen 6-4, 6-4, to secure the Wimbledon Ladies' Wheelchair Doubles title in London, United Kingdom. 

Montjane said her victory has not sunk in yet, especially after the duo was named silver finalists last year.

“I’m still digesting it - but I’m sure it will sink in. This is just a great feeling,” she said beaming from ear to ear.

According to the newly crowned champion, the matches were gruelling and required professionalism.

“We try to fight as a team. We wanted to win this one considering our performance last year. After that match last year, we felt we needed to give it our best. We felt we lacked strategy. So, you can imagine how badly we wanted it. 

“That’s why we needed to put our differences aside and put our heads together and fight together as a team.” 

Montjane who originates from Limpopo had her left leg amputated at age 12 due to a congenital disorder. 

She described the win as a confidence booster as she prepared for the Paralympic Games in August in Paris. 

“I feel like I really needed this. I’ve been having ups and downs throughout the year and my ranking going through ups and downs, and not being sure where I am. 

“This one really gives me a great feeling that I can go to the Games to deliver,” she said. 

Montjane, who first picked up the racket at the age of 19, thanked her team for motivating her. 

“I’m having so many blows and they’re the ones who try to keep me motivated so that I keep my head down and continue to work hard. I keep saying I’m winning the wrong Slam but it’s still a great achievement. The plan is still to win the Singles title.” 

The 38-year-old believes that she is closer to winning the singles and that all she needs to do is to put her head down and keep working hard towards her goal.

In 2018, the athlete became the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon, and she reached the championships' singles and doubles finals for the first time.

“To the young ones, they must keep believing and working hard. Their dreams are valid and they must believe in the world of possibility. Their turn will come,” Montjane said.

Limpopo's MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Jerry Maseko told SAnews that he and the provincial leadership were excited and proud of the athlete. ¥– SAnews.gov.za