29th August, 2013
Nigeria’s sole representative at this year’s US Open, Alex Adewale, could not continue his fairytale run in the wheelchair event as he was defeated 6-0, 6-0 by world’s number four player, Joachim Gerard of Belgium.
Alex, who had already made history by becoming the first Nigerian to reach the second round of the Super Series defeating his Brazilian counterpart, Lucas Pedro, 6-3, 6-2 on Tuesday, was no match for his more experienced opponent in the second round played on Wednesday.
The ever-smiling Alex told P.M.NEWS Sports on telephone Thursday morning that he suffered a ‘huge’ defeat to a vastly experienced colleague, but he embarrassed.
He disclosed that the match was the second time he would meet the Belgian, adding that it was a good opportunity to play against the talented player as it would help him improve his game.
“I suffered a huge defeat to Gerard 6-0,6-0, but I’m very happy for the privilege that I had to play against a top player like Gerard. He is world’s number four, so playing against him will surely improve my game and make me a better player.
“We had met at the World Team Cup in Turkey early this year where he defeated me 6-0,6-1. I’m happy because I played deuce against him before he finally won the sets, that’s to show that I’m improving,” Adewale said.
The Nigerian player added that “this was the real reason I left the country; to have the opportunity of playing against the very best in the world so that I can garner more experience and become a better player when I return to the country.”
Alex is billed to take part in some other circuits next month and in October before he returns to the country.
—Damilare Okunola