The wheelchair division of the French Open Tennis Championships kicked off on June 3rd at Roland Garros in Paris. Kaito Oda, competing in the men's singles, will face S. Woode (France) in the first round, aiming for his third consecutive singles title. Yui Kamiji, aiming for her first win in five years, will face P. Delurede (France) in the first round. We spoke to Oda and Kamiji, who both won gold medals at last year's Paris Paralympics, held at the same venue, about their enthusiasm for the tournament.
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--How do you feel returning to Roland Garros, where you have fond memories of the Paralympics?
I'm really looking forward to it. I've participated in many tournaments, but I think the Roland Garros venue is the best fit for me. I have some good memories there. I'm really looking forward to it.
--I think clay is a surface that suits you well, so are there any new techniques you are working on?
There isn't really anything new, but over the past few months I have been particularly conscious of further strengthening my existing style.
-Please tell us again about Oda's tennis style.
First of all, the most important thing is to "attack." Because it's a clay court, I can get into the court at a faster pace, finish with a volley, or hit aces with my forehand or backhand winners to take control of the match. That's my style.
--Please tell us about your enthusiasm for this tournament.
This is a tournament I really like. I haven't lost in singles for two years, and I've been winning all the time, including at the Paralympics, so I think the passion I have for this tournament is gradually reaching the Japanese fans. In that sense, this is the tournament I'm looking forward to the most this year, and I think it's the time when I'll be the center of attention, so I want to make the most of this chance and win until the end.
◇ Yui Kamiji
--How do you feel returning to Paris, where you have fond memories of the Paralympics?
I had heard that it would be chilly, but once I arrived in Paris the weather was good every day and it was even hot, reminding me of the weather during the Paralympics.
--Did your Paralympic gold medal motivate you to take yourself to the next level?
Not only the final, but everyone's cheers and the Paralympics themselves motivated me, and I think I was able to perform as I had hoped. On the other hand, I didn't even make it to the finals at last year's French Open, so this year's French Open is a different tournament after all. I don't think I can do the same as I did at the Paralympics, and since the Paralympics there are players who have gotten stronger and new players who have emerged, so I think each match will be difficult.
--Is there anything different about your tennis now compared to before, or anything that you feel is satisfying?
I hurt my wrist and palm a little bit in a clay court match at the World Team Trophy last month. I had to cancel one of my warm-up matches before coming here, go to the hospital, get advice from my trainer, and somehow I managed to get to this point. I was prepared to miss the French Open.
Of course, I want to perform to the best of my ability, but I'm grateful to everyone who has helped me get here, and I want to play to the best of my ability. No matter who my opponent is, I want to fight to the best of my ability in each match.
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WOWOW will broadcast and stream live matches every day until June 8th.
