South African wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane made history at Wimbledon in July, 2024. The 38-year-old clinched her first Wimbledon title in the women’s wheelchair doubles alongside Japan’s Yui Kamiji. This landmark victory marks South Africa’s first-ever wheelchair tennis championship at the prestigious tournament.
Historic Achievement at the All England Club
Montjane’s Wimbledon success adds to her impressive Grand Slam collection. Together with Kamiji, she previously conquered both the French Open and US Open in 2023. Their partnership nearly secured a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open this January, where they finished as runners-up.
The Polokwane native has maintained her position among the world’s elite for over a decade. She currently ranks seventh in singles and fourth in doubles, showcasing her remarkable consistency at the highest level.
Personal Tragedy Amidst Professional Triumph
“To lose a mother in that time of your life – whereby you just won Wimbledon, you’re trying to celebrate – all those things come crashing [down],” Montjane shared with BBC World Service’s Newsday. Her mother Margaret passed away from kidney complications in late July.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King joined many others in offering support through social media. “If it wasn’t for the support that I got, I just couldn’t imagine myself coming back,” Montjane expressed gratefully.
Resilient Return to Professional Tennis
Following her personal loss, Montjane recently returned to elite competition at the Wheelchair Tennis Masters in the Netherlands. She marked her comeback with a remarkable three-set victory over Aniek van Koot in singles.
Despite reaching the doubles semi-finals with Kamiji, Montjane couldn’t advance from her singles group. “This year hasn’t been easy for me, but because I love the game I always try my best to make sure that I stay at the top,” she reflected.
Future Aspirations and Professional Focus
The champion made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This choice prioritized her mental well-being during this challenging period.
“Tennis is not an easy sport but you really need to stay interested and have that edge to always want to do better,” Montjane explained. Her passion for the game continues to drive her remarkable journey in professional tennis.
