Lapthorne begins Aussie Open campaign with victory

Eastcote’s Andy Lapthorne got his Australian Open quad singles campaign off to a winning start on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, ranked third in the world, beat David Wagner, the world number two, 6-3 6-3 in Melbourne.

He will take on Australian world number one Dylan Alcott in his second match on Thursday before taking on Alcott’s compatriot Heath Davidson on Friday.

The top two players after the completion of the quad singles round-robin matches will meet again in Saturday’s final.

“I’m really pleased to get off to a winning start,” said former US Open champion Lapthorne.

“I knew coming in here I was playing some good stuff, so to execute under pressure was pleasing.

“I’m looking forward to building on the win and trying to make the final.”

Lapthorne and Wagner team up in their quest for a third Australian Open quad doubles title together on Thursday, when they face Alcott and Davidson.