World’s Greatest Superhumans Compete at Wheelchair Tennis Masters

Written by: Staff on 5th November 2013

World's Greatest Superhumans Compete at Wheelchair Tennis Masters |

Fresh off the tennis courts after clinching his opening match, Shingo Kunieda is excited about defending his title at the Wheelchair Tennis Masters in Mission Viejo this week.

“I am playing in Mission Viejo under the sunshine … I am very fit, have confidence and I want to win,” he said.

Kunieda of Japan is ranked # 1 in the men’s singles, # 2 in the men’s doubles and won the 2013 Australian Open Grand Slam Singles. He is one of 38 “Superhumans” from around the globe who have converged on Mission Viejo’s Marguerite Tennis Pavilion to compete in the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters and the ITF Wheelchair Doubles Masters.

This is the first time that either of these year-end events has been hosted in the United States, and the first time since 2002 that the two events have been held at the same venue. Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis, except that the ball can bounce twice.

On this first day of play, the world’s best wheelchair tennis players seem right at home in this South County city.

While fueling up with some carbs, Jordanne Whiley of Great Britain said she is hoping to do “well.” Britain’s youngest ever National women’s singles champion in wheelchair tennis said she’s been training hard for the event but doesn’t feel “any pressure” and has been enjoying her surroundings.

“From what I have seen so far, Mission Viejo is beautiful and a great venue for this event,” she said.

San Clemente resident Brad Parks agrees. He founded the sport and serves as the Honorary Chair of the 2013 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters and ITF Wheelchair Doubles Masters.

“The fact that the city has gotten involved and is bringing this to the community is huge,” he said. “The community can come out here, be involved and feel good about their city. I would hope that people would say they are glad they live in Mission Viejo.”

The 2013 Wheelchair Tennis Masters continues with day sessions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and night following from 6 to 10 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 11. Tickets are still available at www.itfwheelchairmasters.

Along with incredible competition this week, fans will be entertained by a number of activities including a Tennis Greats Night on Saturday, Nov. 9. The 6 p.m. event includes Bob Lutz, Michael Chang, Roy Emerson and Dennis Ralston. Also, on Thursday, Nov. 7 following the night session’s first match, an “Up/Down Exhibition” will be held to show the integrative qualities of wheelchair tennis versus other sports. On Friday, November 8, the Nadadores Dive Team will host an exhibition diving event at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 9 current and former military personnel will be honored through Military Appreciation Day. Complimentary tickets will be available for all past and present military personnel. A free Wounded Warrior Clinic will be held that day from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for any wounded veterans interested in trying wheelchair tennis. A “SoCal Locals” free Wheelchair Tennis Clinic rounds out the activities on Sunday.

Folks unable to attend the matches can catch all of the action streamed live online at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/mvtv and on the city’s YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/missionviejoca. Tennis results will also be updated each night at http://itfwheelchairtennismasters.com.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Australian Open Grand Slam Singles, Itf, Shingo Kuneida, Tennis, Tennis News, Wheelchair Tennis Masters

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KarmanHC says:

November 5, 2013 at 5:07 pm

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