Lexus British Open 2023: “Finally breaking the line last year was… – Lawn Tennis Association

With this year’s tournament at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Center Beginning Tuesday, August 1, lapthorne opened up about the relief to get his hands on the trophy at last year’s tournament, his current form and the must-see stars of 2023 Lexus British Open Wheelchair Championships .

Lapthorne had reached the final of the tournament five times previously, but just missed out on the silver medal on all of those occasions. However, last year turned out to be the sixth lucky time for the Brit after a straight-set win over Heath Davison in the final ended nearly a decade of disappointment.

“We all want to win the British Open, it’s the home Super Series,” said Lapthorne, reflecting on his historic win last year. “I had lost in the final five times before that, so it was becoming a mental thing.

“That career spanned about 10 years, so it was a long time coming and it was something that was really difficult for me at times.

“Finally getting over the line last year was very special and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and playing again and trying to defend the title.”

The 32-year-old has already enjoyed a stellar first half of the season, having claimed three individual quads titles, including most recently at the Rothesay International Eastbourne – as well as the quad doubles title at Roland Garros alongside Donald Ramphadi.

Now in her 18th year of her professional career, Lapthorne spoke about her growing confidence in her game and the necessary adjustments she has made to create longevity in her wheelchair tennis career.

“I feel very good. We’re all getting old now – watching Andy (Murray), James (Murray) and obviously me and gordon (Reid) has been around for a long time.

“I am getting used to the fact that you are getting older, your style of play and the way you do things needs to adapt a bit, but I think that this year I have done better than the last years, which has given me a good opportunity in these tournaments.

“Trying to aim to peak at the bigger tournaments is becoming more important and I think we’re seeing the results coming now at the biggest tournament so I’m definitely in a better place this year.”

The world number 8 will be joined by two of Britain’s most decorated wheelchair tennis players at this year’s tournament, alfie hewett and lucy shuckerwho will compete for the title in the men’s wheelchair and women’s singles draws, as well as a host of international stars.

With such a strong lineup on the courts, who else should you focus your attention on at this year’s tournament?

“You have the two Dutch boys Niels Vrink and Sam Schröder who are obviously doing amazing right now in the quads division, they are really great players,” added Lapthorne.

“Also, my doubles partner at Roland Garros donand ramphadi He’s a great player. He’s in good shape at the moment and it’s really good to see him, so that’s probably the top three.”

Tickets are now available for all days of the event. Priced at £8 for adults and free for children, week-long tickets are also available at £24 for adults and free for children.