Wheelchair tennis legend Kunieda retires aged 38

The 50-time Grand Slam champion Shingo Kunieda, one of many best wheelchair tennis gamers of all time, retired on Sunday saying that he had “accomplished sufficient”.

The 38-year-old Japanese participant spent a complete of 582 weeks as world primary and gained 4 Paralympic gold medals, together with on the Covid-postponed Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

Kunieda was primary within the Worldwide Tennis Federation’s year-end rating 10 instances, the primary in 2007 and as not too long ago as final yr.

“I have been excited about the retirement since my dream got here true at Tokyo Paralympics,” Kunieda, who was recognized with spinal most cancers as a baby, stated in an announcement posted on-line.

“Final yr, Wimbledon singles title for the primary time made me really feel that my power was little left to compete.”

“By capturing the tenth time world champion, I felt that I’ve accomplished sufficient in what I wished to perform and thought it was the suitable time to retire,” he added.

Tributes poured in from throughout tennis.

“A outstanding profession,” the ITF tweeted.

“Thanks for uplifting us all,” the tennis federation stated.

Kunieda will maintain a press convention on February 7 to speak extra about his retirement, he stated.

“Actually extraordinary wheelchair tennis life for me,” he stated.

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