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Guy Sasson Secures Bronze Medal in Wheelchair Tennis at Paris Paralympics, Cementing Legacy in Israeli Sports
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Israeli Paralympian Guy Sasson delivered a remarkable comeback performance on Thursday night, securing a bronze medal in the wheelchair tennis tournament at the Paris Paralympics. The Jerusalem Post reported that in an intense three-set battle, Sasson rallied from a set down to defeat Turkey’s Ahmet Kaplan 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, earning Israel its ninth medal in the Games. The victory solidifies Sasson’s position as one of Israel’s top Paralympic athletes and adds to his already impressive resume, which includes a French Open title earlier this year.
Sasson’s road to the podium was filled with impressive victories and resilient performances. According to the information provided on The JPost report, the 44-year-old veteran displayed his skill and determination from the very first round of the tournament, where he defeated Chile’s Francisco Cayulof with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win. In the quarterfinals, he faced Great Britain’s Gregory Slade, once again showing his dominance with a 6-2, 6-1 victory.
However, Sasson’s journey hit a roadblock in the semifinals when he encountered the formidable Dutchman Sam Schroder. The JPost also reported that in a closely contested match, Sasson fell short, losing 7-6, 6-4. Despite the setback, Sasson quickly refocused, determined to leave Paris with a medal.
The bronze medal match against Turkey’s Ahmet Kaplan presented a new challenge for Sasson, who had to dig deep after a tough start. Kaplan took early control of the match, breaking Sasson’s serve and jumping to a 4-1 lead, as was noted in The JPost report. Although Sasson fought back to tie the score at 5-5, Kaplan ultimately edged out the first set 7-5, putting the Israeli under significant pressure.
In the second set, Kaplan seemed poised to claim victory, leading 4-1 and maintaining his momentum from the first set. But Sasson, known for his perseverance and mental fortitude, mounted an incredible comeback, the report in The JPost said. Finding his rhythm, he turned the match around, winning five consecutive games to take the second set 6-4. This stunning reversal not only shifted the momentum but also set the stage for a decisive final set.
With the score level, Sasson unleashed his best tennis in the third set. He dominated from the outset, controlling the pace of the game and breaking Kaplan’s serve multiple times. The JPost reported that Sasson’s powerful groundstrokes and tactical brilliance overwhelmed his Turkish opponent, as he stormed to a 6-1 victory, sealing his place on the Paralympic podium and capturing his first Paralympic medal.
This bronze medal at the Paralympics caps off a stellar year for Sasson. In June 2024, he won the prestigious French Open Quad Singles title, also held at the iconic Roland Garros venue. His triumphs this year are a testament to his consistent excellence and his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest tournaments.
At 44, Sasson’s success is particularly inspiring, highlighting his dedication to his sport and his ability to compete at the highest level despite the physical and mental demands of wheelchair tennis. His performance in Paris is a significant milestone in his career and serves as an inspiration for aspiring Paralympic athletes in Israel and around the world.
Sasson’s bronze medal victory not only cements his status as one of Israel’s top Paralympians but also comes with substantial financial rewards. For his outstanding achievement, Indicated in The JPost report was that Sasson will receive a tax-free bonus of 500,000 shekels from the Israeli government, a prize that reflects the nation’s appreciation for its athletes’ success on the world stage.
This monetary reward is a significant recognition of Sasson’s hard work and dedication to his sport, and it underscores the importance Israel places on its Paralympic athletes. Sasson’s victory is a source of national pride and brings further attention to the achievements of Israel’s Paralympic team at the Paris Games.
While the Paris Paralympics have been a defining moment for Sasson, his future in the sport looks equally promising. With this bronze medal under his belt and his recent Grand Slam victory, Sasson is expected to continue competing at the highest level in wheelchair tennis. His success this year, both in Paris and at Roland Garros, has solidified his place among the elite in the sport.
As Sasson continues to inspire a new generation of athletes, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and the will to overcome challenges—both on and off the court. His contributions to Israeli sports will be remembered for years to come, and his triumph in Paris is yet another chapter in a remarkable career that has defied expectations.
