6 January 2013 | Tennis Queensland

The 2013 QLD Wheelchair Tennis Open has concluded for another year after high quality competition held in conjunction with the Brisbane International.

In the men’s main draw singles final Martin Legner (AUT) defeated Benjamin Weekes (AUS) 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in a long, gruelling match on Show Court 2.  Both players fought hard, with Legner using his consistency and experience to overcome his younger opponent in a close third set.

The women’s main draw singles saw Sabine Ellerbrock (GER) defeat Jiske Griffioen (NED) 6-3, 6-4 in a close battle of the wills with Ellerbrock using her power and direction to take out the title.

The event concluded with a closing ceremony dinner at Rydges Southbank where the champions of 2013 were crowned with their trophies overlooking the picturesque Brisbane River.

The men’s perpetual trophy is named after Queensland’s finest David Johnson. During his 15-year international wheelchair tennis career, David reached a career high singles ranking of No.6 (June 2000) and No.2 in doubles (July 2000). David also formed an enormously successful doubles partnership with fellow Australian David Hall. Together they won silver at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. David Johnson was present at the dinner to award this to Martin Legner.

A huge thank you must be given to the following people for their input into the event:

• Greg Crump, Australian Wheelchair Tennis Head Coach
• Ray Epstein, Chief Executive Officer, Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association
• David Bartholomeaus, Sport Development Coordinator, Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association
• Warwick Nicol, Tournament Director
• Les Killer, Tournament referee
• Andrew Ash, Qld Wheelchair Tennis Head Coach
• Amy Nicol, Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Events Coordinator
• Sally Watts, Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Events Officer
• Chelsea Harrington, Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Events Administration Officer

We would like to recognise and thank the numerous international athletes who have made the journey to Australia and have taken part in the 2013 Queensland Wheelchair Tennis Open and we look forward to seeing all of the athletes again in 2014!

To view all of the results of the 2013 QLD Wheelchair Tennis Open click here.

To see what opportunities exist for Wheelchair athlete’s s please visit www.tennis.com.au/qld or contact Tanya Corbett via [email protected].