When the prospect of winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is mentioned to Niels Vink, the wheelchair tennis starlargely straight bats the question but does give insight into what it would mean.
He uses phrases like “crazy” and “a dream” to describe triumphing in the French capital – on the clay courts of Roland Garros – and building on the two medals he won on his Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020.
Three years ago, he won singles bronze having taken a set off the all-conquering Dylan Alcott in a pulsating quad semi-final and then doubles gold alongside fellow Dutchman Sam Schroder.
But there are reasons why Vink is the focus of gold medal-related questions. After a difficult year, the 21-year-old athlete is smiling once again and, whisper it carefully, seemingly hitting top gear at just the right time.
That view was reinforced by back-to-back grass-court titles over the summer, firstly at the Lexus British Open at Roehampton and then Wimbledon. At both events he conquered all before him in both singles and doubles.
Niels Vink, Quad Wheelchair Singles Champion 🙌#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Firdt0wEzZ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 15, 2024
“I am definitely getting back to my best form,” said Vink, who is currently in Barcelona training at the Emilio Sanchez Academy.
“The two tournaments in London were very different. At Roehampton, I played my best tournament and my highest level, whereas at Wimbledon I was not at my best level – and it was hard mentally – but I managed to win.
“While, in truth, I am not focusing on the Paralympics just yet, I am excited for them. I can say that gold medals in singles and doubles would be crazy and a dream. That’s the goal but, like I say, I am just focusing on getting better every day.
“When I think back to Tokyo and losing against Dylan from the position I was in [4-3 and 40-15 up in the third set], I remember being really sad in the moment. But, at my first Paralympics, it is crazy that I reached the semi-finals.
“In contrast to Tokyo, having my friends and family in Paris is going to be amazing. I am sure I will get a lot of energy from that.”
Emotional victory in Wimbledon
Vink was incredibly emotional after his Wimbledon victory – his first Grand Slam singles success of the season – and with good reason. As mentioned, it has been a difficult campaign due to injury – he has suffered leg and elbow problems – while his coach, Hans-Jurgen Striek, has had health issues.
Striek has overseen Vink’s rise to the top of the sport and was named ITF Wheelchair Tennis Coach of the Year for 2023. His illness has had a profound effect on his protégé.
Congratulations to Hans-Jurgen Striek, personal coach of world No. 1 quad singles player Niels Vink, been named ITF Wheelchair Tennis Coach of the Year for 2023. 👏 pic.twitter.com/nURU3Wd53Q
— ITF (@ITFTennis) May 17, 2024
There were times Vink doubted that he would be fit enough or in the right frame of mind to even compete at Wimbledon let alone win the title, so he was very keen to dedicate his SW19 victory to an individual he holds in such high regard.
“After this year, I was just happy that I was in a Grand Slam final again because it has been crazy,” added Vink. “It was crazy to get my level back and crazy to win Wimbledon for a second year in a row.
“I had been injured and my coach, Hans, also got sick and that hurt me a lot. There have been times when I have not been in the mood for tennis.
“I thought everything was going well with my coach, but it was not and he had to get treatment. But when he started his treatment he said, ‘I will be there at Wimbledon’. When I knew Hans was definitely going to be there, I was happy again.
“Even before the Wimbledon final, I did not have a straight face, I was smiling. I was smiling in the match. It was so special to win. It seemed impossible when I was injured and Hans was struggling. I was so happy he was there and enjoying every moment. That win was for him.”
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) December 6, 2023Happy birthday, Niels Vink! 🎉
The quad wheelchair doubles champion races on his hands to celebrate with his coach at the #Paralympics. What a moment!
Credit: @teamnltweets | @itftennis pic.twitter.com/PASWjgMJ1D
Big party
Vink has confirmed that Striek is travelling to Paris for the Paralympic wheelchair tennis tournament, which is fantastic news. At Wimbledon, meanwhile, 14-time Grand Slam champion Vink also revealed how he likes to mark his on-court achievements.
“I like to celebrate crazily,” said Vink. “Do you want to know how? I am a bit of a party animal, I love to party. When there is a microphone and a party, I am singing on top of the bar. I cannot sing but I enjoy it so much.”
In every sense, Paris needs to be on amber – or should that be gold – alert!
Discover more about wheelchair tennis and sports in the Paris 2024 Paralympic sports programme
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