Closing out a whirlwind year brimming with indelible memories, Kgothatso Montjane couldn’t contain her exuberance as she triumphantly seized the crowning glory of the ITF Wheelchair Doubles Masters in the vibrant city of Barcelona.
By Staff Reporter
2023 has been an incredible year of success for South Africa’s tennis star, Kgothatso Montjane. She has not only triumphed on the Grand Slam stage once, but twice (Roland Garros Grand Slam and the US Open), leaving spectators in awe of her exceptional talent.
It’s no wonder they are amazed by her remarkable achievements. With her unmatched skills and unwavering determination, Kgothatso has reached new heights and proudly holds the title of Grand Slam champion in the highly competitive women’s wheelchair doubles.
However, she didn’t achieve this feat alone. Partnering with the sensational Japanese powerhouse, Yui Kamiji, this dynamic duo has taken the tennis world by storm, leaving their opponents in awe.
It is evident that Kgothatso has struck gold, and there’s no sign of her slowing down. Get ready, because this South African sensation is just getting started.
Kgothatso was filled with immense joy and excitement as she emerged victorious in the season-ending ITF Wheelchair Doubles Masters held in Barcelona on Saturday. This remarkable achievement serves as the perfect conclusion to a truly unforgettable year for her.
Kgothatso and her regular partner, Yui, emerged victorious in the final with a score of 6-2, 6-1 against the strong Dutch duo of Diede de Groot and Jiske Griffioen.
Following the granting of a walkover victory in the US Open final in September, as a result of Griffioen’s unfortunate illness before the match, the 37-year-old South African athlete expressed her satisfaction in being afforded the chance to compete against De Groot and Griffioen once again.
“We’re just grateful to have had another opportunity to play before the end of the year because we missed playing our final at the US Open, so we’re happy to have had our rematch.
“We’re happy to have won another title together, especially at a Masters tournament. It’s the first time I’ve won this title and the third time for Yui,” Kgothatso said.
In an extraordinary 2023 campaign, Kgothatso achieved remarkable success by winning an impressive eight doubles titles, with an outstanding seven of them being a collaborative effort alongside the formidable Yui.
The dynamic duo soared to new heights, clutching two prestigious Grand Slam trophies tightly in their hands. These triumphs marked the pinnacle of Kgothatso’s career, a dazzling display of her unrivalled talent on the hallowed courts of Roland Garros and the US Open. But their insatiable hunger for victory didn’t stop there. They went on to conquer the Masters title, etching their names in the annals of history. Kgothatso, a trailblazer in her own right, shattered barriers and shattered records, becoming the first African woman to claim this illustrious crown.
Together, they have rewritten the narrative of success, leaving an indelible mark on the world of tennis.
“We’re grateful for the year we’ve had, winning seven titles. It’s just unbelievable for us,” Kgothatso said.