The Return of a Legend: Shingo Kunieda’s Triumph at the Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational

In the first-ever Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational, Japanese legend Shingo Kunieda emerged victorious in the men’s singles final. Despite retiring from competition last January, Kunieda proved that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level, defeating current world No. 1 Alfie Hewett of Britain in a thrilling best-of-three sets match.

At 40 years old, Kunieda had an illustrious career, amassing 28 singles and 22 doubles Grand Slam titles and four Paralympic gold medals. His unexpected win at the Miami Open was a testament to his resilience and determination to continue playing the sport he loves.

Kunieda’s last competitive match had ended in defeat to Hewett at the 2022 U.S. Open final, making his victory at the Miami Open even more remarkable. Reflecting on his triumph, Kunieda expressed his disbelief at his success and thanked all those who supported him throughout his career.

In addition to competing as a player, Kunieda also served as director of the tournament. His leadership and presence helped make the inaugural Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational a memorable and successful event for all involved. As he continues to inspire others with his dedication and passion for wheelchair tennis, Kunieda remains a true legend in the sport.