World No.1 Dylan Alcott put in a champion’s performance to lift an unprecedented seventh successive Australian Open title.
The all-conquering Australian commanded Sam Schroder 6-1 6-0 in the quad wheelchair singles final to shine on home courts once again.
“I feel extremely lucky to be doing my job right now. I’d play at 3am on the car park to be honest, because it’s a privilege to come out here every time and to play the Australian Open,” said Alcott, having clinched a 12th singles Grand Slam.
“Thank you to everyone at Tennis Australia, I know how much effort went into this.
“I really appreciate you backing us, in particular increasing the draw size for our Quad division. I think the tennis spoke for itself.”
MORE: Alcott v Schroder match stats
Don’t worry Alcott fans, the gregarious home charge looks like he’ll return at AO 2022.
“I feel very honoured and grateful for this opportunity. I don’t know how many more I’ve got left in me, maybe I have to do one more with crowds.”
The duo played earlier this month at the Victorian Wheelchair Open, with Alcott prevailing 6-1 6-3, and the 30-year-old put in a similarly dominant display, boosted by 30 winners on MCA.
Schroder, who lifted his maiden major with victory over Alcott at the US Open, claimed the opening six points.
However Alcott got on the scoreboard with a superb defensive lob winner. Transferring up the court, the 30-year-old struck a smart acute volley to level.
Having connected with a sweet serve and drop shot, Alcott let out a huge roar, pumped up to lead 2-1.
The world No.1 was mixing up the spins, and great variety kept the Melburnian in charge.
“Stay on him” called out Alcott and he certainly did, dictating with heavy serves and ripping a backhand cross court winner to post a 4-1 advantage.
An audacious drop shot portrayed the oozing confidence of the defending champion to race 3-0 up in the second set.
Powerful play from world No.3 Schroder earned three break points, but Alcott, tapping his head to imply focus, assembled the combinations and patterns to escape with the hold.
The Dutchman, on Australian Open debut, struck a massive forehand winner past Alcott’s reach to dissolve a second break opportunity.
It wasn’t quite enough. Alcott’s firepower converted the sixth chance of a mammoth game.
With just an hour on the clock, Alcott served out another special triumph to head into seventh heaven, launching into his trademark spinning celebration.
“I want to congratulate Sam on playing another final brother,” said Alcott, signing ‘Lucky 7’ on the TV camera.
“I think we can play a lot of finals together. You pumped me at the US Open, so I think there will be plenty more wins coming your way, mate. I’m looking forward to many more battles to come.”