Tennis celeb Oda pursuing Grand Slam victory at US Open in quest for career milestone
Rising Star Oda Chases Career Grand Slam at US Open
Tokito Oda, the Japanese para-tennis sensation, is making waves in the sport, bringing a new energy and style to wheelchair tennis. Known for his signature headband and ferocious game, Oda is making a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with.
In a sport that allows two bounces per point, Oda often takes time away from opponents with his aggressive returns and pace. His rivals, including current world number two Alfie Hewett, have had to revamp their training regimes to adapt to Oda's relentless pace. Hewett himself stated that the points in Oda's games are a lot quicker and there's a lot more aggression on the court.
Oda's success in the sport was inspired by compatriot Shingo Kunieda, a national icon and 28-time Grand Slam singles champion, widely regarded as the greatest wheelchair tennis player of all time. Oda opened his US Open campaign with a 6-1, 6-0 defeat of American Casey Ratzlaff, setting his sights on the US Open as his next big milestone after winning Paralympic gold in Paris last year.
The Japanese prodigy is currently sponsored by Nike, the Japanese fast food chain Hotto Motto, and the automotive parts manufacturer Tokai Rika. He is also the face of a new generation redefining para-tennis. Unmatched in any other para sport, the US Open's prize money for wheelchair tennis is the highest, with this year's singles champions set to receive $90,000, nearly triple the prize money from just six years ago.
Stephane Houdet, a two-time US Open champion, marvels at Oda's game, describing him as a standing player who plays sitting down. Oda's game is all about early ball reception and heavy spin, according to Houdet, who also noted that Oda serves at 175 to 180 km/h, impressing everyone who watches him play.
Hewett remains the only player to beat Oda in a Grand Slam final this year, having managed one victory over Oda in their last eight encounters. However, Oda's commercial success may have surpassed that of Hewett, with Oda already having sponsorships with Nike, Hotto Motto, and Tokai Rika.
If Oda wins the US Open, he will have completed a career Grand Slam. The country dedicates significant media coverage to wheelchair tennis, galvanized by the Kunieda era, and Oda sees himself as an ambassador for the game, aiming to bring more people and make fans around the world. Oda takes up wheelchair tennis shortly after being diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of nine, and his journey to the top of the sport is a testament to his determination and resilience. He is focused on elevating the sport - both in performance and visibility.
