Japanese wheelchair tennis ace Shingo Kunieda scripted history at the Wimbledon 2022 when he beat Alfie Hewett to clinch his first title at the All England Club. The victory also marked a career Grand Slam for the 38-year-old star.

Kunieda beat Alfie Hewett of Britain 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-5) on July 10 at the Centre Court to complete the career Grand Slam. In doing so, the Japanese veteran became the first men’s wheelchair player to complete a career Grand Slam, after winning the 2022 editions of the Wimbledon, Australian Open, French Open and 2021 edition of the US Open.

Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 final: Novak Djokovic gets help from netcord to break Nick Kyrgios for first time

Although an enigma in his own right, little is known about Kunieda, who also holds six Paralympic medals, 28 major singles titles and 51 overall major titles. Let’s find out more about him.

Born on February 21, 1984, Kunieda was diagnosed with a tumor in his spinal cord aged nine, resulting in paralysis in the lower half of his body. However, he did not let it limit his potential as he began playing wheelchair tennis from an the age of 11.

Coached by Hiromichi Maruyama, the Japanese player prefers his right hand and a hard court.

He was part of the Japanese contingent at the 2004 Paralympic Games, where he won the gold medal in doubles. Soon, he also became the first Asian to become the world no. 1 in wheelchair tennis.

At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, he won the gold medal in singles but had to be content with the bronze in doubles. He went on to win the Australian Open in the same year for three consecutive years and declared himself as a professional tennis player. 

Also Read: Japan go to polls in shadow of Shinzo Abe assassination

More success followed as he won the French Open for three consecutive years. However, he was unsuccessful at Wimbledon, where he lost in the final of the men’s doubles. Meanwhile, the Japanese star went onto win all three Grand Slam singles — Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 2010.

Kunieda registered a unique record in his career when he went undefeated between 2007 and 2010, winning 107 consecutive matches. The 38-year-old has 101 career titles over singles and doubles combined, which also includes 49 major trophies.

A modern day tennis great, Kunieda was an ambassador for 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.