A guitar-playing, martial arts fan, Oda mentioned it used to be particular to understand Kunieda used to be now commentating on his personal tennis heroics within the ultimate again to a Jap target market.
“He’s a legend for me, however no longer just for me, however for everyone, for wheelchair tennis, for tennis as smartly. I’m a large fan of his,” Oda mentioned.
“I used to be unhappy about his retirement once I heard of it. However now I’m making different historical past after his retirement. I’ve a bit of force on me … however I will be able to at all times be myself.”
An outstanding adventure
Oda, who used to be born within the Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, used to be recognized with bone most cancers in his left hip as a nine-year-old. His profession as a wheelchair participant started a yr later.
He may by no means have imagined that inside seven years he could be gambling on Court docket Philippe-Chatrier with enthusiastic beef up from Jap enthusiasts.
“The dream once I began to play tennis when I used to be in health center, I used to be gazing numerous suits,” he mentioned.
“I used to be in point of fact having a look ahead to this level. It’s been seven years, I believe. This yr we’ve got two extra Grand Slams in London and New York and I’m having a look ahead to that.”
