The US Open may have lost some of its star power this year, but it’s for all the right reasons. Wheelchair tennis has taken a rain check at the New York tournament, and the world’s top players are making waves in Paris instead-battling it out at the Paralympics.
Every four years, the scheduling gods pit the Paralympics against the US Open, forcing the best of the best to choose where they’ll show their skills. This year, the Paralympics won that tug of war. But don’t worry, the juniors wheelchair tournament is still rolling at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens.
Israel is flexing hard in Paris, sending four top-tier athletes-Adam Berdichevsky, Guy Sasson, Sergei Lysov, and Maayan Zikri-to represent the blue and white. These players aren’t just showing up; they’re showing out. Just ask Berdichevsky, who kicked off his Paralympic campaign with a win over Italy’s Luca Arca. The 40-year-old, who picked up tennis after a tragic boating accident, has been living out his redemption arc since Tokyo 2020.
Berdichevsky isn’t just winning on the court. He led the Israeli team as the flag bearer, soaking in the pride of walking alongside his countrymen. Next up for him is a face-off against Chile’s Alexander Cataldo, and you can bet he’s ready for the challenge.
Sergei Lysov, a 20-year-old tennis sensation who moved from Russia to Israel in 2019, also made his Paralympic debut. He’s already reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 and advanced to the second round after defeating Brayan Tapia. But the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Alfie Hewett, brought Lysov back to reality with a straight-sets victory.
Israeli wheelchair tennis stars dominate Paralympics 2024
Meanwhile, Guy Sasson, the Roland Garros quad singles champion, cruised through his matches, showing why he’s the No. 3 seed. He’s eyeing the semifinals with all the confidence in the world, knowing that clay courts and cheering fans are his secret weapons.
Maayan Zikri, the lone female on Team Israel, didn’t let the pressure faze her. She easily dispatched Morocco’s Najwa Awane and is determined to keep pushing forward. Zikri’s journey in sports started with basketball, but tennis stole her heart, and she hasn’t looked back since.
The Paralympic tennis event is a big deal, featuring 95 players from 28 nations, all vying for glory on the same courts that have hosted legends at Roland Garros. This isn’t just about medals; it’s about representing a country, overcoming odds, and making a statement on the world stage.
And in a classy move, the US Open isn’t letting the absence of these stars go unnoticed. The USTA has set aside a hefty sum to ensure these athletes are compensated, even if they couldn’t be in New York. With over $6 million dedicated to wheelchair tennis, the tournament is making sure everyone gets their due.
Paris might have stolen the spotlight from New York this year, but the stories coming out of the Paralympics are worth every ounce of attention. These athletes aren’t just playing tennis-they’re making history.