“I’m only doing this if you treat me like Ash Barty” Dylan Alcott journey towards changing narratives
Follow Us
Dylan Alcott and Ash Barty
Dylan Alcott has been one of the most relentless forces in wheelchair tennis for years now. The legendary player has won 15 single grand slam titles in his career and has shown his domination throughout the world.
The Australian finally decided to put an end to his career at home at the end of the Australian Open 2022. Alcott has been considered to be the reason behind the immense success of wheelchair tennis. He has been the player who laid the foundation of wheelchair tennis.
The former world No.1 faced immense problems on his way to achieve greatness in his career. He had to battle forces much beyond the court to change the narrative around wheelchair tennis forever.
Dylan alcott demanded the same respect as other players
Even though the things are looking really good today for Dylan Alcott. The journey towards achieving greatness is a much much tougher one. Before the beginning of his career there was barely any wheelchair tennis played or watched by fans but his magnificent performances turned the game around.
In a recent interview Alcott was asked about his journey to greatness, “When I came from basketball to tennis, I said I’m only doing this if you treat me like Ash Barty, like Sam Stosur, like Lleyton Hewitt, like Pat Rafter – like I’m a professional tennis player, first and foremost, who just happens to have a disability,”
“And [Tennis Australia] said yes. Did we think it was going to explode into the juggernaut that we’ve done together? Of course not. I’m forever grateful for the way that they’ve treated and respected me and backed me. And the reason that they’re putting us front and center on Rod Laver Arena in the prime time is not just for the warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s because it’s a good business decision for them as well.” added Alcott
In the end Alcott said, “I feel like I’ve done everything I can in tennis, It’s time for some other people to get the opportunities I’ve gotten in sport. For so many generations of wheelchair tennis players before me, they didn’t get the recognition they deserve. Even the current tennis players don’t. But I do, and I’m so lucky and grateful for that.”
Stay Updated!
Parth Dubey
(314 Articles Published)