Dylan Alcott wins Wimbledon wheelchair title

Australia’s wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott creates history at Wimbledon — and completes a career grand slam in the process.

Dylan Alcott lifts the trophy after winning the Wimbledon men’s wheelchair title. Picture: Getty Images

Australia’s wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott has created history at Wimbledon today and completed a career grand slam in the process.

A day after partnering England’s Andy Lapthorne to a success in the quad doubles, he was far too strong for him the singles today.

He punched a forehand volley to clinch a historic 6-0 6-2 victory in what is his ninth grand slam singles title.

“I’m not gonna lie, when we found out that we were going to be playing Wimbledon for the first time, we each sent each other a cheeky Whatsapp to say ‘let’s make sure we play each other in the final’,” Alcott said.

Don’t drop it, Dylan! Picture: Getty Images

“So Andy, thanks so much brother. I love that. You’re an absolute legend. I loved winning the doubles with you yesterday but most importantly you’re a great bloke.”

It is the first time Wimbledon has held a wheelchair championships and its introduction has allowed the Melburnian to add the crown to successes in Australia, France and the United States.

Alcott described being a Wimbledon champion as a something he never imagined could happen.

“I can’t believe it. (It is the) definition of a dream come true,” he said.

In an entertaining and emotional speech, he requested life membership of the All England Club.

More importantly he noted how far wheelchair tennis had come, from initially having just a couple of spectators to today’s final, where he received widespread applause.

Venus Williams was among the crowd watching Alcott and Lapthorne triumph a day earlier.

And there is no doubt Alcott, a radio and television personality, has helped the sport’s growth and inspired other disabled people to realise an opportunity to play tennis.

Now holding a career grand slam, Alcott can complete a calendar year grand slam by winning the US Open in New York later this year.