Legions of fans turn up Monday night to give South African wheelchair tennis player Donald Ramphadi a hero’s welcome at the OR Tambo airport.
The 30-year-old tennis star won the French Open doubles title alongside British partner Andy Lapthrone earlier this month. Ramphadi from Tzaneen in Limpopo, made history at Roland Garros by defeating Heath Davidson and Robert Shaw in the final.
“I am so grateful for the love and support I received from the South African sports community and the general public,” he told pressmen.
Ramphadi was received at OR Tambo by Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa, Sascoc Athletics chairperson Khotso, and Tennis South Africa board member Robin Baloyi.
Ranked fourth best in the world, Ramphadi has been in excellent form this year. He narrowly missed winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open doubles finals in January.
He reached the semi-finals of the French Riviera Open, which would have been his fifth title this year. He explains that the crown jewel in his array of achievements was undoubtedly his triumphant French Open win.
“It will be a cherished moment for the rest of my life,” he said.
He credited the entire team, including the coach and management staff, for their contributions to his success.
South Africa’s leading wheelchair tennis women’s player, Kgothatso Montjane also won the French Open doubles title. She is expected to arrive in the country before the end of June.