Defending Aussie Open champion Kamiji eyes big 2026 and elusive title
Yui Kamiji had not long finished – and won – her first doubles match at the 2026 Australian Open Wheelchair Championships when she fronted up for a press conference on the media terrace overlooking Rod Laver Arena.
Stood over her were five reporters from Japan, but the multiple Grand Slam champion was unfazed.
“I appreciate it because I see the same faces all the time,” she said. “I’m also happy to talk with them just after the match because then I can think about things and also about my next opponents. It’s helpful."
Kamiji has 11 Grand Slam singles titles to her name including three last year, with defeat in the Wimbledon final denying the 31-year-old a much-coveted career Grand Slam. Unsurprisingly, ending her wait for singles silverware at Wimbledon is her big aim for 2026.
Key to Kamiji’s fortitude in that regard may well lie in America with her losing six consecutive US Open singles finals from 2018 before coming up trumps in September last year.
Also, Kamiji has a new coach, Jason – an American who has lived in Japan for the past 14 years. His wheelchair tennis experience is limited to just one player and he arrived via a friend of a friend.
In some ways, it is a tough proposition given all Kamiji's success in 2025.
“I'm sure he must be thinking, ‘oh, how do I improve on this?’," laughs Kamiji.
She immediately interjects, however, with thoughts on the missing Wimbledon title which is the only missing trophy on an otherwise impeccable CV.
“I just want to hear some new advice from someone," she said. "He has not had much experience with wheelchair tennis, which means he has fresh eyesight.”
Kamiji has won three singles and five doubles titles at the Australian Open, but no two visits to Melbourne tend to be the same.
“Well, after COVID, everything has changed,” she said. “I don't really have a routine here.”
She is based in South Yarra, a 10-minute drive from Melbourne Park but sufficiently away from the thrust of the city to allow calm and a level of perspective.
“I really like to stay there and this is my second year of staying there now," she said.
Despite an emphatic 6-1 6-2 quarter-final win against Lizzy De Greef of Netherlands, preparations to defend her Australian Open crown are not yet complete.
“Of course, I'm happy with my win and tomorrow is going to be tough because the Chinese player (Xiaohui Li) has a really big shot,” she said.
Kamiji played quite beautifully at times against De Greef – her forehand is arguably the most sublime single shot on the women's Tour.
And this week, there will be an extra comfort on hand after every match, should she need it.
“Normally, my friends and family stay at home but this time my mother and my sister are coming to watch me," she added. "I really appreciate it.”
A full list of results from the 2026 Australian Open Wheelchair Championships is available here.