Niels Vink has paid tribute to his late coach after winning the Australian Open quad wheelchair singles title for the first time.
World number one Vink avenged last year’s defeat to fellow Dutchman Sam Schröder in Saturday’s final, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) in an hour and 36 minutes.
Second-seeded Schröder was attempting to win his fifth straight title at Melbourne Park.
Vink has now completed the career ‘grand slam’, and he dedicated the victory to his coach Hans-Jurgen Striek, who died last September.
The 23-year-old carried a photo of himself with Striek on court, in honour of their successful seven-year partnership.
“We started the journey together and we wanted to finish it and, in our eyes, finish it to win them (major titles) all,” Vink said.
“But, sadly, he didn’t make this one, so he’s still here.
“We did it. This one is, for sure, for him.”
Niels Vink carried a photo of his late coach Hans-Jurgen Striek on court for the final. (AP: Dita Alangkara)
The Australian Open trophy was the last piece of major silverware missing from Vink’s collection.
He has won three Wimbledon singles titles and is a two-time victor at both the French and US Opens.
Vink is also the reigning Paralympic gold medallist.
“My dream was always to win the Paralympics but since Hans passed away, I have a different vision,” Vink said.
“I want to enjoy [being] on the court and of course I want to win everything, but I remember last year I had to win for myself.
“Since Hans passed away, it was like, ‘Let’s see how it goes’.
“I want to enjoy [myself]. If I win, nice. If I don’t win, OK.
“I could be happy if I had fun on the court and today I had fun and I have this bad boy (Australian Open trophy).
“This one feels amazing. Of course, it’s my first slam without Hans, so that’s also very emotional.”
In other results, China’s third seed Li Xiaohui won her first major singles crown in the women’s wheelchair final.
Li defeated Dutch great Diede de Groot 6-1, 6-2.
De Groot, who has won 23 major singles trophies, was chasing a seventh Australian Open victory.