‘He does it again!’ – Tokito Oda seals history with Australian Open win to complete Grand Slam set
Video credit: TNT Sports
But there have been seismic achievements elsewhere, too, at the opening Grand Slam of the season.
Tokito Oda’s victory over Martin de la Puente in the men’s wheelchair singles final certainly ranks among them.
The Japansese player won 3-6 6-2 6-2, coming from behind in Melbourne to win his latest major.
And it was a significant one for the 19-year-old, who became the youngest man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time across any format of professional tennis.
Oda is just the second man to claim four consecutive men’s wheelchair singles majors, alongside compatriot Shingo Kunieda.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
“Tokito Oda does it again,” said Paul Hand on TNT Sports commentary. “The teenage titan playing with the poise of a champion twice his age seals another slice of history in Melbourne.
“Four straight majors all before turning 20. Men’s tennis has never seen anything like it. Tokito Oda closes the door and claims the crown, and cements the era. What a performance.”
Oda was typically modest after making an indelible mark on tennis history, praising his opponent and highlighting their relationship.
“I want to appreciate Martin. You are my best friend on tour. We always hang out every time, and you speak Japanese, so sometimes it’s so funny with you,” Oda said.
“It’s the first time we shared a final at a Grand Slam. I was very happy to play with Martin. Big congrats to your team.”
De la Puente was gracious in defeat. “Congrats, Tokito, we’ve known since you were almost a kid, you already destroyed everyone’s chair on tour… you are a great champion,” he said.
“Thanks to my team. They’ve been pushing me a lot. I was struggling a lot at Christmas. It was a tough time for me, and they were pushing me — my team, my family, my girl — they were all pushing me.
“Hopefully, we’re gonna have another battle next year.”
It was the pair’s first clash in a Grand Slam final but their 18th match and sixth at a Grand Slam in what has been a fascinating but friendly rivalry.
Asked about his latest achievement and whether it was a childhood dream, Oda said: “Maybe from when I started tennis, I don’t think about a Grand Slam title.
“I was dreaming of the Paralympic Games, but it was different. I just want a battle since I was a kid. I just love the battle with somebody, you know.
“This is kind of like my dream to play the big match.”
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