Australian Alcott bows out beaten, but unbowed

Story by Reuters

Updated 1307 GMT (2107 HKT) January 27, 2022

Dylan Alcott plays a backhand in his quad wheelchair singles final against Sam Schroder.

(Reuters)A day after beginning his reign as 'Australian of the Year', quad wheelchair champion Dylan Alcott was denied a fairytale finish to his decorated career on Rod Laver Arena.

The Melburnian, who was seeking an eighth Australian Open title, fought valiantly against Dutchman Sam Schroder but was ultimately overwhelmed 7-5 6-0.Although defeated in his final match, the 15-time major winner received the applause of a hero as he bid farewell to tennis with an emotional speech.«I am really the luckiest guy in the world. I didn't need to win today to realise that,» he said.«It is because of everybody watching today that people like me, people with a disability, are integrated and involved in our society. That is the reason I get out of bed.»Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are taking the Australian Open by storm Read MoreWhen announcing this would be his final Australian Open, the 31-year-old said it was due, in part, to his recognition that Schroder and Niels Vink were rapidly closing the gap.So it proved in the final.The first set was particularly hard-fought, with Alcott serving for it at 5-4. But from then on the Dutchman proved unstoppable when claiming a second Grand Slam title.Host broadcaster Channel 9 delayed its prime-time news bulletin to show the final in its entirety and Alcott's influence was clear to see all around Melbourne Park's main showcourt.The size of the crowd, which followed a doubles encounter involvingNick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, would be the envy of many tournaments. There were also several wheelchair-bound children watching the final