Paris 2024: Wheelchair tennis ace Oda: “Paris is a special place for me
Japan’s teenage wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda took up the sport after watching Shingo Kunieda play. Now he wants to play for the kids
Tokito Oda has a special connection to Paris. Named after the Arc de Triomphe, the iconic Parisian monument, Oda feels a deep bond with the city. He’s also won two of his four Grand Slam titles at the French Open, making Paris even more significant in his career. Now, at just 18 years old, he is making his Paralympic debut in the city, a moment he describes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Before the wheelchair tennis singles tournament began, Oda shared a photo on Instagram of himself making a wish in front of the Arc de Triomphe with the word “Dreamer” captioned. On September 1, he moved to the third round by defeating Great Britain’s Ben Bartram in straight sets. Oda is excited to return to Roland Garros, where he has had a winning streak in recent years. “I want to do it again,” he said.
Oda’s journey to Paris has been anything but ordinary. Diagnosed with bone cancer at age nine, he underwent intense treatment and surgery. During his hospital stay, he watched a video of wheelchair tennis legend Shingo Kunieda competing at the London 2012 Paralympics. Inspired by Kunieda, Oda switched from soccer to wheelchair tennis, a decision that changed his life.
At just 14, Oda became the youngest world No. 1 in junior wheelchair tennis. By 17, he had won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and became the youngest world No. 1 in the wheelchair tennis singles rankings. With three more Grand Slam victories, he is now a prominent figure in Japanese sports.
Oda sees Paris as his lucky place. “My name, Tokito, is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, so Paris has always been special to me,” he said. He has also won the French Open without dropping a set, adding to his confidence.
Beyond his achievements, Oda is passionate about inspiring others. He helped organize a junior wheelchair tennis event in his hometown to encourage more young people to try the sport. “I hope to inspire kids to take up tennis and wheelchair tennis,” he said. “The Paralympics are a chance to change my life and the lives of others who watch.”
Oda’s story is one of resilience and determination, and he hopes his success will motivate others to pursue their dreams, just as Kunieda inspired him.
