Houdet aiming to turn Olympic dream into reality in Tokyo

Former singles silver medallist Stephane Houdet wants to go one better in Tokyo and wants to use his previous experience in Japan as a springboard to success.

The Frenchman, who finished runner-up to Shingo Kunieda in the gold medal match at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has beaten the Japanese player on his own turf in the past and has hopes that he can do the same in a few weeks’ time.

“I remember I played the final in the World Team Cup in Tokyo,” said Houdet. “Same place, same stadium, years ago against Shingo and, France, we won.

“So, I have a kind of souvenir in my mind to do the same, to be in the same situation with the big Japanese flag all over the stadium. I can imagine almost the same situation. This is something I have, somewhere where I want to go and change my dream into reality.”

Houdet, who is one half of the reigning men’s doubles champions from the Rio 2016 Paralympics – where he won gold with compatriot Nicolas Peifer – loves the experience of being with other athletes.

He added: “Being all together in this big village with no money and just all the countries together to fight only for sports and we’re able to see the building from the different countries all together. I still have in my mind ‘play together; play to gather’.”

And despite considering himself one of the elder statesmen of the game, Houdet has no plans to hang his racket up just yet. He even has his sights set on a home Games in three years’ time.

“I think this year is going to be very special because we can’t play as many tournaments as we want. [But] it’s one tournament on the path to Paris 2024!”

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