Dylan Alcott will be playing for the men’s singles quad wheelchair title in what is his last appearance at the Australian Open.
He is also within reach of an eighth-straight Australian Open title.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When is Dylan Alcott playing next?
Dylan Alcott is set to play his final on Wednesday, January 26.
A specific time has not been confirmed.
Alcott will face world No. 2 Sam Schroder in a battle for the top prize, in what is predicted to be a close affair.
The Dutchman was the last player to beat him in singles, back in the 2020 US Open semi-final.
The gold medal match between the pair in Tokyo last year went the Australian’s way, however.
Australian Open 2022
Dylan Alcott’s title defence got off to a nervous start when he lost the first set of his opening match to Dutch youngster Neils Vink.
However, the Australian remained composed and won 6-7 6-4 6-2.
🔝 performance from the top seed 👏@dylanalcott begins his final tournament by defeating Niels Vink 6-7(1) 6-4 6-2.#AusOpen · #AO2022
🎥: @wwos · @espn · @eurosport · @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/OKyXvo5fim— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2022
His next match against old rival Andy Lapthorne was more straightforward, winning 6-3 6-0.
While the pair have had several close battles over the years, Alcott broke his opponent’s serve early and was able to dominate.
He only dropped 16 points in the second set which he claimed 6-0.
Speaking after the match, he acknowledged what an extraordinary storyline it would be to finish his career with another Australian Open title.
“It would be unbelievable, but it wouldn’t be everything, right?” Alcott said.
“I will live if I don’t win on Thursday … I’ve got the best life in the world, regardless of whether I win on Thursday.
“And I’m just going to go out there and enjoy every little second of it because I’ll never get that opportunity again.
“And I would love to win as well … so, I’m really going to try and do that, but, you know, second last time, I can say thank you.”
What is Dylan Alcott’s record at the Australian Open?
31-year-old Alcott has a remarkable record at Melbourne Park, winning seven consecutive quad singles titles.
He was offered a wildcard entry at the Australian Open in 2014, rising to world No. 1 in March that year.
His first singles title came in 2015, signaling the start of his domination.
Alcott has also reached the finals of the doubles event eight times at the Australian Open, winning it four times.
