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THE BEST WHEELCHAIR TENNIS PLAYER TO PARTICIPATE IN LIMA 2019
The Argentinian Gustavo Fernández won the last three Grand Slams in the world circuit and he is going for his third gold medal in the Parapan American Games.
Gustavo Fernández represents perseverance in sport, not only for those who saw him grow up in the Argentinian city of Río Tercero, province of Córdoba, but also for those who applaud his skills as a wheelchair tennis player.
In 2017, in Córdoba, he obtained the highest award in an integrated awards ceremony with athletes without an impairment and was applauded by David Nalbandián, a great tennis player native of this area. Fernández will shine with his own light at the Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club starting on August 24. To watch the best Para athletes, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at the authorized points of sale.
“What we see in this discipline means progress in society to value athletes as they are. It is a loving caress for the soul. I don’t even realize how many hours I train every day, but you don’t have to complain about the effort if you love what you do. Don't ever avoid sacrifice,” said Fernandez, at the medal ceremony.
He will come to Lima 2019 to defend his title of two-time Parapan American champion. He won two gold medals in men’s singles and doubles at Toronto 2015, added to his gold medal in singles at Guadalajara 2011. The current number one of the ITF ranking (International Tennis Federation) has won 23 medals.
If that were not enough, Fernández has won the last three Grand Slams (ITF great events): the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. He added these big titles to the ones he won in 2016 (Roland-Garros) and 2017 (Australian Open).
There are still major challenges for 25-year-old Fernández, such as the gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Games. In Lima, he will give his best and seek his qualification to the next year’s Paralympic Games. If he managed to overcome the spinal cord stroke that left him unable to move his legs, when he was only a year and a half old, then he must able to reach the top of the sports world. He is a champion in life.
ABOUT LIMA 2019
The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 Para sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair tennis events will take place from August 24 to 30, at Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club courts. The competitions will be held in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and quad singles and doubles, a category adapted for wheelchair tennis athletes with quadriplegia.