Lapthorne ready to showcase quality of para-sport at Tokyo 2020

Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne may well be chasing medals in Japan, but he also intends to use the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Tennis Event as a vehicle to boost the burgeoning popularity of para-sport worldwide.

Lapthorne has a significant Paralympic heritage having claimed silver in the quad doubles at London 2012 alongside Peter Norfolk, while silver in the singles and bronze in the doubles, this time with Jamie Burdekin, followed in Rio de Janeiro.

While a medal on behalf of his nation remains the priority, showcasing wheelchair tennis is also of paramount importance to the 30-year-old and a player who has 14 Grand Slam titles to his name.

“The Paralympics mean everything,” said Lapthorne. “It’s one of the biggest events that we play and it’s the time for people with disabilities to be in the spotlight.

“My first Paralympic memory was London 2012, the Opening Ceremony – 80,000 people coming to watch people with disabilities and open the Games up was amazing, especially in my hometown.

“Going to my third Paralympics is going to be amazing and I’m really looking forward to it.”

But while there is a wider context to place his performance in the Japanese capital, Lapthorne’s desire to make the podium once again burns as bright as it ever has. As always, opportunity knocks.

“You try not to think too far ahead, but obviously we’re always visualising those moments hoping that, come Tokyo, we’re going to be up on that podium,” added Lapthorne.

“Having the opportunity to win a gold medal again, it’s a privilege. It’s just a privilege to be selected to play again and winning a silver medal last time has really made me want to go for that gold medal this time.”

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic wheelchair tennis event starts on Friday 27 August (with the Opening Ceremony of the Games kicking off on Tuesday 24 August). The medal matches are due to take place on 1-4 September.

Click here for more information about the Paralympic schedule