Paralympian, Evans Maripa wins Gold

Maripa, SA’s no. 1 Wheelchair Tennis Open Men’s player hails from Lonsdale, Limpopo and has climbed 16 ranking positions in the past year. The latest win at the Ath Open catapulted him to a career high ranking of no.15 in the world.

 

Although Maripa was the top seed for the Ath Open, taking the title was a significant achievement. Maripa was travelling without a coach or countryman for support, and faced Frenchman David Dalmasso in the finals. Dalmasso is a tough competitor who has years of experience and makes his opponent earn every point. Dalamsso appeared to be in control in the first set, however Maripa gained his composure, settled his nerves and found his rhythm in the second and third sets to defeat Dalmasso 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 and claim the Open Men’s Singles title.

 

Maripa, who was born with a congenital birth defect, has had both legs amputated below the knee. Evans took up wheelchair tennis in 2007 and after only two years at the game, won Gold at the Asia Pacific Youth Para Games in Tokyo. It was a short three years later that Maripa catapulted through the rankings to take the no. 1 spot in South Africa, and qualify for the Paralympics. Maripa has since moved another 13 spots on the world ranking, to be ranked in the top 15 players in the world. Maripa’s tremendous focus and powerful forehand have delivered impressive wins and gives hope that we will see him stand on the medal podium for South Africa in many Paralympics Games to come.

 

WTSA’s Manager Karen Losch said, “We are very proud of Evans. We know he is very talented, and are delighted the hard work is paying off. Evans is maturing as a player and a person. We are eagerly watching him climb up the rankings one position at a time. Opportunities for Evans to compete internationally would not have been possible without the significant contribution of the game sponsor, Airports Company South Africa and, opportunities for Evans to train and develop would not have been possible without the contribution of the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts, & Culutre.

 

Participation in local and international tournaments is made possible by a generous sponsorship from Airports Company South Africa, the game sponsor of the sport.

 

For more information, please contact Bianca Morkel Tel: 083 386 4002 Fax: 086 651 6664 Email: . Other resources worth a visit include: www.tennis.co.za; or join our Facebook page and group: Wheelchair Tennis SA and follow us on Twitter: @WCTennis.