Davidson: It's really cool to see so much wheelchair tennis interest

Australia’s Heath Davidson and Canada’s Robert Shaw have been together as a quads doubles partnership for the past two years.

Late on Wednesday afternoon they won their Australian Open quarter-final on the 5,000 seater Kia Arena in just 47 minutes.

An on court TV chat materialised quickly, as it does for all winners on the show courts and Davidson, from Melbourne, joked about the coruscating support given to the opposition, Britain’s Gregory Slade and the Aussie Finn Broadbent.

Broadbent’s, many and loud, supporters wore matching yellow t-shirts with the logo ‘Finn-tastic’ emblazoned across the middle. It was a first class backing.

“This is my sixth Australian Open and I have never had that much support, which is wild. It’s really cool to see so much interest in wheelchair tennis now”

“I was saying to Rob out on court that I reckon my mates suck,” said the wonderfully self-deprecating Heath. “This is my sixth Australian Open and I have never had that much support, which is wild. It’s really cool to see so much interest in wheelchair tennis now.”

The heavily tattooed Davidson and the lesser-inked Shaw are as amenable as they come, true gents both, witty but with a penetrating observation when called for.

Davidson will not be adding to his tattoo collection should he pick up another title this week but his coach Marco has been persuaded, he said. We will see.

The speed of the win did not come about by chance however.

“It was quick but that’s more a reflection of our play the last few years together," said Shaw. "They are both new players playing together. We want to take advantage of a team like that who are new, that was the goal to get in and out on a hot day and not [mess] around, it’s a big day (semi-finals) tomorrow.”

Through players such as Alfie Hewitt, Shaw and Dylan Alcott, wheelchair tennis has blossomed beyond recognition, according to Davidson.

“We are professional athletes just like the able-bodied athletes and it is really cool to get the recognition we deserve.”

Just how equal is equal though? Davidson defers to Shaw.

“It depends on how you want to define equal. I don’t think it’s fair to say we should have everything equal to the private sector. There is revenue to consider and more. I think it’s great we get equal billing as far as playing on the major court at slams," the Canadian said.

“I think it's unrealistic to think that we should be getting equal prize money based on the amount we bring into the sport but there is no question that you can make a good living now. The winner here is taking home $110,000 AUD. That’s incredible and that’s what makes it professional.”

Shaw is adamant that the current three wheelchair divisions are the best route for his sport.

“We all go through the same testing to get to this stage, some people are (just) more able than others, it’s going to happen,” he said.

“John Isner is 7 foot 2 for example, there is a difference in that as well. It comes down to talent as well as disability. I am happy with the three divisions.

“Para sport will always be complex that way, it’s not just tennis. Tennis is great in that we don’t have that many categories. Players want to feel they are the best in the world. As long as that classification is based on proper research.”

And finally, what about that revamped court 6 at Melbourne Park, the party court with its bar running along one side?

“I love it,” says Davidson. “I am a big fan of noise and people getting rowdy and walking around. I just love it. I don’t get bothered by the noise, I am focused on the court.”

And a final tongue in cheek comment that comes with some truth, as the best humour always has.

“I want the final on court 6, I want a real party, I want the final on court 6 when everyone is absolutely caned," smiled Davidson.

“(But) if TA or the AO are willing to put us on a show court we would really appreciate it whether it is court 6 or court 52.”