Cairns paratennis champion Ben Wenzel award nominations

The Cairns teen who recently won a world title and two major junior sporting paratennis events only lost in the open divisions to a five-time Paralympian. What’s next for our world sporting champion.

Inspired by Dylan Alcott, a Cairns teen ranked at number six in junior boys wheelchair tennis is determined to make his mark on and off the court – and his ace results have been recognised with two Tennis Queensland Award nominations.

Ben Wenzel, 15, who jumped three places from ninth in 2021, said he’s honoured to have been nominated for Junior Athlete with a Disability awards at both the Tennis Queensland awards and in the Sports Star awards.

Ben said if he does win an award, it would be “amazing”.

But awards aside, Ben, who has cerebral palsy, showed he won’t allow his condition to define him and has pulled put all the stops.

In the recent school holidays, Ben who trains at least five times a week on the court and in the gym, won the junior draw at two significant wheelchair tennis events, the Sydney Classic and the Canberra Open.

Winning through to the semi-finals in the men’s open draw of both tournaments, Ben was only bested by five-time Paralympian Ben Weekes in both clashes.

Cairns paratennis athlete Ben Wenzel, 15, won the 2022 ITS Sydney tournament and is currently ranked #6 in the world. Photo: Glen Braithwaite

Earlier this year the St Andrews Catholic College student was part of the Australian Junior Wheelies team which successfully defeated the UK at the World Cup in Portugal in May.

The teenager, who also won the Queensland Open in June, said he was taken with tennis from the first time he picked up a racquet.

“From the first hit of the ball I loved the sport,” he said.

“I really admire Dylan Alcott, he’s been a huge inspiration for me and watching him play in the Australian Open was amazing.”

“Dylan also played wheelchair basketball which I really like to use to cross-train for tennis.”

Ben said his coach Fred Lay has been instrumental in helping him make his tennis dreams a reality.

Cairns wheelchair tennis player and St Andrew's Catholic College student Ben Wenzel, has been nominated for two Queensland sporting swards. . Picture: Brendan Radke

“I’m super happy with my coach Fred,” he said.

“He’s very encouraging.”

Lay said Ben has an incredibly positive approach and possessed a strong work ethic.

“Our fingers are crossed Ben has done enough to make the Junior Masters competition to be held in France in January 2023,” Lay said.

“In November he heads to Melbourne to complete in the Australian National Wheelchair Tennis Championship.”

Originally published as Cairns paratennis champion Ben Wenzel award nominations