#gregory slade

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 Paralympics' official YT

The second set became a similar affair to the first set once Sam/Niels became even more dialed in. The first seed then started the game with an early break to 1-0 only to be broken back due to Niels' forehand errors (1-1), which also was continued with a fumbling of Andy/Greg's game point before Greg's wide forehand secured the Dutch pair's break point, followed by Niels' trademark backhand winner to break back again 2-1. Subsequently, even if Sam/Niels held their serves to 3-1, Andy's exquisite forehand finish minimized the gap for the British pair.

Subsequently, Sam/Niels doubled their break lead to 4-1 thanks to their clean groundstrokes, followed by a massive hold to 5-1 once a forehand error was fired too long from Andy/Greg. Niels' utilization of the angles became helpful for them to set up their one-point lead, followed by his slice finish to secure their match point. Ultimately, the Dutch pair also baked the second-set breadstick, thus securing their gold medal in the quad wheelchair doubles sector.

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 Paralympics' official YT

The earliest Paralympics medal matches came from the quad wheelchair doubles, where first seeds Sam Schroder/Niels Vink, who defeated eventual vronze medallist Donald Ramphadi/Lucas Sithole 6-1, 6-1 in the semifinals, and second seeds Andy Lapthorne/Gregory Slade, who also stunned Leandro Pena/Ymanitu Silva 6-1, 7-5 in the previous round. While this could have been a tricky match at their best, the point construction favored the former pair more as they stood out at the end of the match.

Sam/Niels had a slightly nervy start due to a forehand error, but Sam compensated it with a winner before taking the opening game to 1-0. Niels' slice then secured their one-point lead, followed by a working smash to secure their other lead before breaking early to 2-0, then held to 3-0 thanks to Sam's forehand winner to close the rally.

Interestingly, in the next game, Sam/Niels smoothly constructed their third break point before a working backhand from Niels converted it to 4-0. However, Andy/Greg sliced their way to a 2-point lead before breaking back to 4-1 only to be broken back again to 5-1 thanks to the Dutch pair's clean streak. As a result, Sam/Niels earned the opportunity to serve for the first-set breadstick, which they did (6-1) to secure the first set.