From motorcycle accident to Paras in just three years: Chasteau's rise
It is only three years since French teenage sensation Ksenia Chasteau took up wheelchair tennis yet she is now preparing for her Paralympic debut in her nation’s capital city – a rise which has surprised even her.
It was January 2021 when Chasteau and her father were involved in a motorcycle accident which resulted in them both having their left legs amputated. Chasteau was just 15 years of age at the time and was travelling to ballcrew training.
The accident curtailed a promising tennis career which started in Marseille when she was four years old, although Chasteau was not to be denied. She refused to give up on her dream and began playing wheelchair tennis in September 2021.
View this post on Instagram
“It wasn’t completely natural, but with my young eyes I realised that I could have fun in the chair and continue my passion,” she said.
“I always say that I did not discover or start wheelchair tennis after my accident, rather I simply continued playing tennis. It’s the same sport, the same sensations and the same approach to a match.”
The 18-year-old has made stunning progress since, winning the US Open Juniors Wheelchair Championships in 2023 before conquering all before her at the Roland Garros junior event in June.
She is ranked No. 21 in the women’s division of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour Rankings following a productive season which sees her primed to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event.
View this post on Instagram
“My progression has surprised me,” added Chasteau. “Three years ago, I was in hospital following a motorcycle accident and now I am here. It is amazing and incredible.
“I do not know how I have done that, but I take pleasure every day. Playing is a passion, and the results follow and now I am competing at my first Paralympic Games at home.
“I cannot explain my emotions but I have to stay focused. The energy here is amazing. I have played here before of course and the energy was amazing then. But for the Paralympics I think it will be even more special.”
Chasteau will begin her maiden Paralympic campaign with a showdown against Morocco’s Samira Benichi in the opening round of the women’s singles. In the doubles, she and Pauline Deroulede take on Colombia’s Angelica Bernal and Zuleinny Rodriguez Trujillo for a place in the quarter-finals.