The wheelchair division of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, is scheduled to begin on January 28th, with Yui Kamiji, who won last year's Australian Open, competing for her fourth Australian Open wheelchair singles title. The wheelchair division was originally scheduled to begin on the 27th, but was postponed to after the 28th due to extreme heat. Kamiji will face J. Griffith (Netherlands) in the first round. WOWOW will broadcast the entire tournament live. Ahead of the opening, WOWOW's local reporter Shuzo Matsuoka interviewed Kamiji.
Shuzo Matsuoka: You give off a calm impression, including your hairstyle, but has your vibe changed now that it's 2026?
Yui Kamiji: Really? (laughs) I don't really think about it that much. I'll take it as a positive thing.
Matsuoka: Is there anything that you value especially in the new year?
Uechi: Speaking of "new," I've been studying under a new coach since the end of last year. We usually communicate in English, so it's been a challenge for me as well. It takes me longer to internalize the advice I'm receiving than it does in Japanese, but that's why I think about it more myself before incorporating it into my play. We've only just started, and this Australian tour will be our first time together.
Matsuoka: Who is the new coach?
Kamiji: Jason. He worked with Sanada in wheelchairs. He also worked with Kaito Uesugi, an able-bodied athlete.
Matsuoka: Now that you're achieving results, is there any reason why you decided to switch to a foreign coach?
Kamiji: I often talk with players from overseas, and I've often played doubles with foreign players, so I don't really mind the language barrier. (Coach Jason) has a very inquisitive mind, and he pursues questions like, "Why is this?" as much as I do. He himself says that he still has a lot of inexperience in wheelchairs, but I think that's why he has a perspective that only he can see. We also have time to reaffirm things that a coach who has been in a wheelchair for a long time might overlook. (When answering Coach Jason's questions) I have to sort things out in my own mind again, so it's difficult, but I'm having a great time.
Matsuoka: You said you considered retiring after winning the 2024 Paralympics, but have you remained motivated since then?
Uechi: Yes, I am motivated (laughs). It's fun. Of course, winning matches is one of my motivations, but I also practice with the simple desire to improve and increase the things I can do. When I head into a match, I don't know what the outcome will be, but I think I still continue to have the feeling of challenging myself, including analyzing my opponent and trying to play the way I want to.
Matsuoka: Was there a time when your efforts didn't lead to the results you wanted?
Kamiji: Winning isn't the only positive thing. Last year, I was able to win three Grand Slam titles, but I missed out on the Wimbledon title. But I wouldn't say I have any major regrets about that loss. It gave me an opportunity to think about what I could have done at the time to win, and what I could have done to win all four (Grand Slam titles). I think it also motivated me going into the US Open that followed. I think each match, practice, and every moment I spend there is nourishment for me as I move forward. The people I meet and the interactions I have with those who support me help me take the next step. I still have a lot to gain from tennis, and since I didn't win Wimbledon last year, I want to do my best again this year.
Matsuoka: Veteran players like Djokovic are constantly evolving. There are many different types of tennis, such as slice shots, spin shots, and net play, but what do you want to improve this year?
Uechi: Everything you just said, that's it (laughs). Rather than specializing in one thing, I want to aim for a style that allows me to do a variety of things across the board. I want to use slices effectively, aim for high targets with spin, and move forward with angled shots. I know it's very ambitious, but it's difficult, so I want to take on the challenge.
