Triumphant Return, Empty Stands: Gaito Oda’s Bittersweet Victory in Wheelchair Tennis
Kinoshita Group Japan Open: Gaito Oda Triumphs in Return Match
Tennis: Kinoshita Group Japan Open – 3rd day – 27th – Ariake Tennis Forest Park, Tokyo – Wheelchair tennis men’s singles
Gaito Oda’s Impressive Win in Return Match
18-year-old Gaito Oda (Tokai Rika), who won the Paris Paralympic Games, scored an impressive win in his triumphant return match. In the first round, he will face 6th seed Feng Xiaoming (China). They were shut out 6-0, 6-0, making a good start towards their second consecutive victory.
Although it was an overwhelming victory without losing a single game, there were few smiles. The event was originally scheduled to hold several thousand spectators, but due to rainy weather, it was hastily moved to an indoor court. Due to capacity issues, the event was held without spectators, and there was no streaming due to equipment being brought in. Still, he looked back and said, “It can’t be helped,” and said, “I hope people can watch the match over these two days, Saturday and Sunday. I think it will be an interesting match, so I hope many people can watch it there.”
The first competition after the Paralympics was in Japan. In addition to winning the championship for the second time following last year, he will also be responsible for the development of the sport. “I want to play better tennis than I did in the Paralympics. I’ll try to dominate, but in terms of scores, it’s better to compete,” said the world No. 1 player, who is also particular about “how to show.” My goal is to serve 200 km. His current fastest speed is 174km/h, which he recorded at this season’s Australian Open, and he is aiming for an unprecedented number, saying, “If I keep going like this, I might be able to do it.” “Either way, it’s going to be a game that (the audience) will feel glad they came to,” he said with emphasis.
In the semifinals on the 28th, he will face third-seeded Takashi Sanada, who he faced in last year’s final.
Broadcast Information
The Kinoshita Group Japan Open on the men’s tennis tour will be broadcast live every day on WOWOW and WOWOW On Demand. The first day of the tournament will be broadcast for free and live streamed for free.
