Ed Odeven 
Yui Kamiji celebrates with the trophy after winning the Australian Open women's wheelchair singles final against the Netherlands' Aniek van Koot on January 25, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (©Francis Mascarenhas/REUTERS)
Read the full story on SportsLook - [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Yui Kamiji Snaps Grand Slam Singles Title Drought
The thrill of victory never gets old, especially in the biggest sporting events. Just ask Yui Kamiji, who triumphed in the Australian Open women's wheelchair singles final on Saturday, January 25.
Kamiji's 6-2, 6-2 triumph over the Netherlands' Aniek van Koot produced her first Grand Slam singles title since the 2020 French Open.
"Every Grand Slam [is] really special. … It's always challenging for me. I'm really happy," Kamiji proclaimed after beating van Koot in Melbourne, Australia.
It was the 70th singles match of the storied Kamiji-van Koot rivalry, the tournament website noted. The Japanese star, who previously won Australian Open singles titles in 2017 and 2020, now holds a 49-21 edge.
Commenting on the familiarity she has with her longtime opponent, Kamiji, 30, told reporters after the match that she tries to spring a surprise or two when she competes against van Koot.
"I have some new ideas against her, especially for today. I'm always trying to change some things, which I can't tell you," Kamiji said, smiling, according to the Australian Open website.
Before Saturday's 1 hour, 16-minute title-clinching match, world No 2 Kamiji had lost 10 consecutive appearances in Grand Slam singles finals (in all four tournaments) ― all against Dutch great Diede de Groot.
At the 2025 Australian Open, de Groot was sidelined after undergoing surgery. Meanwhile, top-seeded Kamiji forged ahead with sustained excellence, winning four straight matches without dropping a set to claim the title.
Sustained High Level of Play for Yui Kamiji
In September 2024, Kamiji claimed gold medals in the women's singles and doubles competitions on back-to-back days at the Paris Paralympics. It was a vivid reminder of her impressive skills on the tennis court.
Kamiji, a former world No 1, was listed second in the end-of-year rankings every year from 2018-24.
Looking ahead, as she aims to win more titles, Kamiji also hopes to have ample opportunities to keep competing against van Koot.
"It's always fun to play against van Koot," the nine-time Grand Slam singles champion was quoted as saying by Sports Nippon. "I hope to play her 70 more times in the future."
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
