Dutchman Niels Vink has been crowned Wimbledon quad wheelchair singles champion for the second year in a row after defeating compatriot, doubles partner and friend Sam Schroder.

World No. 2 Vink prevailed 7-6(4) 6-4 to claim his fifth Grand Slam singles title, a feat which sees him edge closer to those in joint-second place on the all-time list for most Grand Slam quad singles titles.

The 21-year-old’s latest Grand Slam triumph sees him flirt with the tallies posted by Great Britain’s Peter Norfolk, David Wagner of the United States and Schroder – he trails the triumvirate by one.

Vink, who won the 2024 quad doubles alongside Schroder on Saturday, is also the fourth player to win multiple Wimbledon wheelchair singles titles – after Diede de Groot, Dylan Alcott and Stefan Olsson.

Vink was emotional after his victory and with good reason. It has been a difficult campaign due to injury – he has suffered leg and elbow problems – while his coach, Hans-Jurgen Striek, has had health issues.

Striek has overseen Vink’s rise to the top of the sport and was named ITF Wheelchair Tennis Coach of the Year for 2023. His illness has had a profound  effect on Vink.

There were times Vink doubted that he would be fit enough or in the right frame of mind to even compete at Wimbledon let alone win the title, so he was very keen to dedicate his victory to an individual he holds in such high regard.

“This feels unbelievable,” Vink told itftennis.com. “After this year, I was just happy that I was in a Grand Slam final again because this year has been crazy. It’s crazy to get my level back and crazy to win Wimbledon for a second year in a row.

“I have been injured and my coach, Hans, also got sick and that hurt me a lot. There have been times when I have not been in the mood for tennis.

“I thought everything was going well with my coach, but it was not and he had to get treatment. But when he started his treatment he said, ‘I will be there at Wimbledon’. When I knew Hans was definitely coming, I was happy again.

“Last week, I was feeling amazing because I knew Hans was coming. I started having fun again. Hans came here on Tuesday, and I was so happy.

“Even before today’s final, I did not have a straight face, I was smiling. I was smiling in the match. It is so special to win. This seemed impossible when I was injured and Hans was struggling. I am so happy he is here and enjoying every moment. This is for him.”

Vink entered the clash with a superior head-to-head record – 20-12, in fact – from his battles with Schroder and had won 17 of their 27 showdowns in finals. However, he had lost two of the three finals the duo had contested in 2024.

Schroder has impressed this week and after his semi-final win over Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne spoke about being in a “completely different headspace” compared to last year when he crashed out in the last four.

However, despite a spirited showing, the spoils belonged to Vink and now he intends to party.

“I am going to celebrate crazily,” said Vink. “Do you want to know how? I am a bit of a party animal. Last year, I don’t think I celebrated a lot but this year I am going to go for it.

“I love to party. When there is a microphone and a party, I am singing on top of the bar. I cannot sing but I enjoy it so much. Now I have won Wimbledon, I feel I should party.”

A full list of results from the 2024 wheelchair tennis events at the The Championships, Wimbledon is available here.