As the reigning Paralympics gold medallist, the mentality with which Yui Kamiji is approaching Roland Garros is surprising given her championship qualities.

The Japanese star, who plays Lizzy De Greef from the Netherlands on Thursday in a quarter-final of the women’s wheelchair singles, is the No. 1 seed based on her results.

But she considers herself a challenger instead of the leading contender this week because of her results at Roland Garros in 2024 when she exited early in both singles and doubles.

“I'm happy to come back here as always, and not just because I won last year at the Paralympics,” she said.

“Before coming to Paris, I thought because I won the singles and doubles gold medal, I was happy to come back. But when I saw last year's results, I lost in the first round here and I didn't win a doubles as well, so I did nothing last year. So I'm a wonderful challenger, that's what I'm thinking now.”

A 6-0 6-3 victory with partner Kgothatso Montjane in an opening round doubles on Wednesday against Diede de Groot and Ksenia Chasteau means Kamiji has now fared better in both disciplines than a year ago.

She defeated French wildcard Pauline Deroulede 6-2 6-0 in the opening round of the singles on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old said that her memories from a magnificent Paralympics remain strong.

Kamiji defeated the Dutch legend De Groot in a final watched by her family and friends, with the four-time Roland Garros champion saying this made it even more special for her.

“One of my dreams had come true and I was really happy, of course, and my family were there,” she said.

“For the first time, my dad watched a match in another country, so it was really great to show them what I have been doing from when I was young. And I had many supporters coming out there.

“When I went back to Japan, I celebrated with many, many people. That was another memorable day. It is always going to be unforgettable.

“But if I continue to play, I can feel more experiences like that. So I hope I can be better as a professional player and increase my performance as well.”

With the quad wheelchair singles beginning on a wet Wednesday at Roland Garros, the depth in all disciplines of the sport is strong, with some immense talent being displayed in Paris. Kamiji is proof of the balance between the mental and physical aspects of the game.

“I think I'm the smallest person in the women's wheelchair, so I can't use power and strength,” she said.

“I have to be smart all the time and I need to see the full court, how my opponent is getting in or out of the court and how that can work for me.

“I believe that I had the best match last year, yes, but still, I think I have more things that I can do. Sometimes ideas come from my coach, but from other people as well who can watch my match and have some ideas.

“I’m really lucky because around me (there are) so many people who are advisors. That means I can be better.”

As the quad singles draw got underway, No. 1 seed Niels Vink began his campaign for a third Roland Garros title when victorious 6-2 6-4 over Ahmet Kaplan from Turkey.

His compatriot Sam Schroder, who is seeking to complete a career Grand Slam in Paris, started strongly against South African Donald Ramphadi when winning 6-0 6-3.

Defending champion Guy Sasson from Israel was also in fine touch and posted a 6-1 6-3 triumph over Chilean Francisco Cayulef, while Britain's Andy Lapthorne defeated Canadian Robert Shaw 7-5 7-5