Kgothatso Montjane loses Australian Open women’s wheelchair final

Kgothatso Montjane, South Africa’s No 1 wheelchair tennis player, lost her Australian Open women’s doubles final in Melbourne on Tuesday.

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Montjane and her British partner Lucy Shuker were beaten in title match by Dutch top seeds Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot 6-4, 6-1.

In the semi-finals, Montjane and Shuker, eased past Angelica Bernal of Colombia and Chilean Macarena Cabriliana 6-1, 6-4.

That victory for 34-year-old Montjane gave her some recompense for her narrow women’s singles semi-final loss to Japanese world No 2 Yui Kamiji.

Kgothatso Montjane, world No 6, reached her second singles semi-final in Melbourne after producing a faultless display to thrash Colombian Angelica Bernal 6-1, 6-2.

Montjane then put up a fine effort against Kamiji, but the world No 2 held on to win 6-1, 5-7, 6-0.

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“It was a great outing and journey to the first Australian Open doubles final with Lucy and we look forward to more finals and definitely some titles,” said the elated Kgothatso Montjane.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back playing again during this difficult time.

“Thanks to everyone who showed me love and support. To my great team, thank you for making it all possible for me.”

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