Staff Reporter.
Wheelchair tennis stars Kgothatso Montjane and Donald Ramphadi said they were stunned by the support they had received back home after wrapping up breakthrough victories Roland Garros last week.
Montjane and Ramphadi, who arrived back in Johannesburg this week to rousing welcome ceremonies at OR Tambo International, earned their maiden Grand Slam titles by lifting doubles trophies at Roland Garros.
Montjane and her Japanese playing partner, Yui Kamiji, handed Dutch player Diede de Groot and Argentine partner Maria Moreno a crushing 6-2, 6-3 defeat in the final of the women’s wheelchair doubles.
“I just want to say thanks to everyone who has contributed in different ways on my journey. This is just the start,” Montjane said after returning home on Wednesday.
“We keep working on how to get me to the same standard as other athletes out there, and we will keep pushing. It’s not easy, but I hope with this result we can add more resources and keep working towards a Grand Slam singles title.”
Ramphadi and British partner Andy Lapthorne fought back from a set down to secure a 1-6, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Heath Davidson and Canada’s Robert Shaw in the men’s quad final.
“It’s really special having everyone welcome me home,” Ramphadi said after arriving in SA on Monday night.
“My career has not been an easy journey. It’s been really tough, and I don’t think I would be here without my team. Whenever I’m about to give up they keep me motivated, so I want to thank everyone who has supported me.”
Montjane and Ramphadi also competed in the quarterfinals of the singles competitions in their respective categories at the French Open.
Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, was delighted with the results of both players.
“This means a lot for South Africans. I’m excited by these achievements,” Kodwa said.
“We must acknowledge our achievers who are doing well for our country, and we are pleased to welcome our stars home.
“Sport is a catalyst which unites our people and brings us together, and we are excited to see how South African sport is picking up again, post-Covid, as a tool for nation building and social cohesion.”