In a whirlwind journey from the center of Europe to the bustling courts of the United States, Turkish para-tennis sensation Ahmet Kaplan has emerged victorious, wielding two gleaming medals as his herald.
With his quest for glory removed from over, he now units his sights on the summit of the U.S. Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship, a grand stage the place desires are cast and champions are topped.
At the tender age of 21, Kaplan’s prowess is aware of no bounds.
He lately returned from the European Paralympic Championships, hosted within the picturesque Netherlands from Aug. 8-13, bearing a bronze medal within the fiercely aggressive “quad” class.
And if that weren’t sufficient to dazzle, he paired up with the Uğur Altınel to clinch the silver within the doubles occasion.
Yet, Kaplan is not any stranger to the relentless pursuit of excellence.
He has launched into a brand new odyssey, directing his unyielding willpower towards the U.S. Open, a grand slam match set to grace the Mersin Tennis Complex on Sept. 5-10.
Guided by his coach, Atilla Kökver, the paralympic nationwide tennis sensation is leaving no stone unturned in terms of his preparation.
Ahmet’s meteoric rise within the “quad” class has propelled him to the 14th spot on the earth rankings.
With his eyes firmly set on securing a spot on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, the stakes have by no means been greater. “Two medals in the Netherlands,” Ahmet recounts with a beaming smile, “I couldn’t be happier.”
But beneath that radiant exterior lies a person who has weathered a grueling journey.
Ahmet’s path to the Paralympics was paved with sweat, sacrifice and ceaseless dedication.
The U.S. Open, he confides, is not only one other match; it’s the key to unlocking his Paralympic dream.
“In the world of the U.S. Open, there are just 16 of us,” Ahmet reveals. “I have managed to secure the 14th spot, but this is a league where excellence reigns supreme. We’re training relentlessly, five days a week, to keep the tempo soaring. Our training and nutrition regimen is a study in discipline.”
With a steely resolve and unwavering conviction, Ahmet shares his lofty aspiration, “I aim to return from America not just as a participant but as a champion. The Grand Slam tournament is every athlete’s dream, and I want to dazzle in the finals. I pledge to give it my all. My confidence is unwavering, and I’m pushing myself beyond my limits. A champion’s return is my destiny.”
Coach Atilla Kökver, the guiding pressure behind Ahmet’s journey, exudes unwavering religion in his protege. “Our preparation has been meticulous,” he affirms, “and I have no doubt that Ahmet will replicate his success on the grand stage. We are poised to return from America bearing spectacular results.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
