Ramphadi Lament US Open Loss as Personal Pain Shadowed Match

NEW YORK — Wednesday

South Africa’s wheelchair tennis star Donald Ramphadi described his US Open defeat to Britain’s Andy Lapthorne as his “most hurtful” career loss after falling 6-2, 6-3 in Wednesday’s quad singles match.

The 66-minute Court 8 encounter saw Ramphadi struggle despite strong movement improvements. “I thought I had him. I played well. I was moving around the court which is something I had been previously struggling with,” he said post-match.

Ramphadi acknowledged critical errors proved decisive. “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.”

The loss resonated deeply with the South African. “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,” he stated.

Ramphadi credited Lapthorne’s tactical shifts: “Especially with his serves. He was shifting his position when serving, trying to play with my mind. It really worked.”

Personal grief also weighed on his tournament exit. “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.”