Shingo Kunieda has capped another remarkable season on the men’s wheelchair tennis tour by being named ITF World champion for an astonishing tenth time in his career.

Kunieda, who first received the award in 2007, has more World Champions Awards than any of his male peers and it’s only women’s wheelchair tennis legend Esther Vergeer who has won more individual awards.

Now aged 38 years old, the Japanese player started the season with a bang, picking up the first three Grand Slam singles titles of the year, and most importantly becoming the first men’s wheelchair tennis player to complete a career Grand Slam (as well as a career Golden Slam) by finally clinching a first major title on grass at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. 

“2022 became another special year for me,” Kunieda said. “I finally won the Wimbledon singles for the first time in my career, achieving the career Grand Slam and the career Golden Slam for the first time in the history of men’s wheelchair tennis.

Kunieda’s victory at Wimbledon was his 50th major title overall in what has been an incredible career in the sport. 

“I am proud of myself,” he said. “But these achievements didn’t happen without the support from my team - my wife, coach, physio, sponsors and fans. I would like to celebrate another monumental year with them.”