In a thrilling showdown at the French Open wheelchair finals, top-ranked Diede de Groot secured her 22nd Grand Slam singles title by defeating unseeded Zhu Zhenzhen in a hard-fought match. De Groot's victory not only marked a historic milestone but also surpassed her compatriot Esther Vergeer for the most women's singles titles.
On the men's side, second-seeded Tokito Oda of Japan successfully defended his title by defeating No. 3-seeded Argentine Gustavo Fernandez, claiming his fourth major title at just 18 years old.
Reflecting on her achievement, De Groot humbly acknowledged the legacy of Vergeer, who held a remarkable 470-match winning streak in her career. Despite breaking records, De Groot emphasized the importance of recognizing Vergeer's unparalleled success and the different eras in which they competed.
De Groot's victory also marked her 14th consecutive major title and highlighted her status as a two-time Paralympic gold medalist. As a brand ambassador for Renault, she emphasized the significance of visibility for wheelchair athletes in mainstream media.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhenzhen showcased her talent and resilience in her first Grand Slam final, aiming to become the second Chinese player after Li Na to win a major singles title.
Looking ahead, Oda sets his sights on defending his Wimbledon title on grass, having already conquered every major except the U.S. Open.
These remarkable performances at the French Open wheelchair finals underscore the skill, determination, and sportsmanship of the athletes, setting the stage for future triumphs on the global tennis stage.
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