South Africa’s Donald Ramphadi was outclassed by Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne in their men’s wheelchair quad singles match on Court 8 at the US Open on Wednesday.
Ramphadi lost 6-2, 6-3 in 66 minutes.
Post-match, Ramphadi was in a reflective mood following his loss.
“I thought I had him. I played well. I was moving around the court which is something I had been previously struggling with in the last tournament.
“I was not able to make some balls. I was missing my shots by small margins.
“My mistakes hit me very hard, and I was not able to move on from them. It affected my match.”
‘Hurts the most’
Ramphadi was very open when describing what this defeat meant to him.
“I’ve played the game for a long time. This match hurts the most. There was a point where I felt that I had him.
“It was a really hurtful one.”
Ramphadi explained that Lapthorne really mixed up his game plan.
“Especially with his serves. He was shifting his position when serving, trying to play with my mind. It really worked.
“I’ll give him that. He did that very well. There was a point where I was just making mistakes.
“I give it to him. However, there is a lot I should have done better.”
Pain
Donald Ramphadi was open regarding the pain he was experiencing.
“Right now, I’m hurt. The tournament is done here.
“I’m looking forward to flying back home and burying my uncle. That is one thing that is on my mind right now.”
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Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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