South Africa’s Donald Ramphadi and Brazil’s Leandro Pena were defeated by the Netherland’s Sam Schroder and Turkey’s Ahmet Kaplan 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 11 minutes in their US Open men’s wheelchair quarter-final clash on Court 15 on Tuesday.
Ramphadi was playing with Pena for the first time, and it was initially obvious that they were a new combination as they looked out of sync at times in the first set.
Inexperienced
Post-match, Ramphadi reflected on what was a “tough loss.”
“We didn’t have a lot of experience playing together at a Grand Slam.”
Ramphadi expressed that one of his greatest gifts when playing doubles is to help his partner feel comfortable on the court.
“I always aim to make them feel free and able for them to play at their best.
“Pena loosened up as the match progressed and if we can play at that level more consistently, then we will do well.”
Ramphadi felt that their effort levels as a team were high.
“From my side, I felt that we tried our best.”
Ramphadi pointed out that Schroder and Kaplan played well.
“They are good players, and we tried our best.”
Doubles partner
Ramphadi was open when he revealed that he is still searching for a more permanent doubles partner.
“I’m the only person who doesn’t have a concrete doubles partner. Which I am still looking for. I will find one.”
Ramphadi has been drawn to play Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne in the wheelchair singles. He was well aware that it is going to be a tough battle.
“He’s been a legend for the longest time.
“It’s always fun to play him. The last time I played him was two years ago at the US Open which I lost.”
Ramphadi is confident, however, that he can turn the tables on Lapthorne.
“I’ve grown. I think I’m more mature. The game I now play is different from two years ago.
“We’ll see what he brings tomorrow. I’m pretty sure I’m going to give him a game.”
Liverpool fan
Ramphadi and The South African’s Dave Marshall are both supporters of Premier League side Liverpool.
Regarding this season, Ramphadi was bullish.
“It’s going to be an interesting one with the new signings. I am happy with how they are playing now. I’ve been watching the new signing Isak from Newcastle.
“He’s been doing very well. When Newcastle were playing, you knew Isak was going to do something.
“I feel that with him now coming to Liverpool, he’s going to do even better. He has good suppliers there who are going to give him the ball.
“He’ll be even better at Liverpool.”
On whom Ramphadi’s current favourite Liverpool player is, he had no hesitation.
“I’ve always had a love for Mo Salah as he’s African.”
Sad news
Ramphadi shared that he had received some bad news this week when he was told that his uncle, Elliot Matome Ramphadi, had passed away in South Africa.
Ramphadi stated that if he loses his singles match, he will be on the first plane back to South Africa as he “wants to pay his last respects” to his mother’s brother.
The South African sends it condolences to Ramphadi and his family who are dealing with this sudden loss of a loved one.
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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