Andy Lapthorne’s hopes to build on Paralympic success with GB at the World Team Cup
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GB quad wheelchair tennis star Andy Lapthorne heads to Turkey next week in search of what would be an incredible fourth gold medal at the World Team Cup.
The British No.1 will lead a Lexus GB World Team Cup squad that also includes fellow Paralympic silver medallist Greg Slade and Gary Cox, who return to the competition looking to improve on a sixth place finish in 2024.
One year on and with more Grand Slam titles under his belt, success at the Paris Paralympics and an ever-improving doubles partnership with his fellow countryman and British No.2 Slade, Lapthorne is in high spirits ahead of a tough challenge in Antalya.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Lapthorne. “These weeks are always special – any chance you get to represent your country is an amazing feeling. Hopefully we can have a better week than last season.
“It will be the first time that Greg and I have played together since Paris (Paralympics) really.
“We’ve learned a lot from this time last year when it wasn’t so great but we fixed a few things going into Paris. The lessons we’ve taken from that going into this week will help not only me and Greg but Gary as well in the team.”
Lapthorne has had yet another brilliant start to the season, having lifted his third Australian Open quad doubles title in the last four years, as well as doubles finals and singles semi-finals at the Cajun Classic and Georgia Open.
The Briton remains confident in his ability to compete against the very best in the sport but admits he’s now learning how best to manage himself to be at his best in the big moments.
I’m ready to give it everything I have and I’ll certainly be doing that next week.
“It’s a bit different these days,” he added. “I’m having to play less events to try and keep the body fresh and to peak for the right moments. It’s a bit of a new thing for me having more time at home.
“I feel like I’m playing well. When I do go out to compete I’m ready to give it everything I have and I’ll certainly be doing that next week.”
Lapthorne has enjoyed some of the best moments of his career wearing the British flag – not only as a four-time Paralympic medallist but also a three-time winner (2009, 2014 and 2017) and two-time World Team Cup silver medallist (2012 and 2016).
As an experienced member of the Lexus GB team, the 34-year-old is relishing that leadership position and hopes to make an impact on the rest of the squad.
“I’ve just enjoyed being able to spend time with all the guys and former players that I’m good friends with – Jamie (Burdekin), Pete (Norfolk), Antony (Cotterill),” Lapthorne said reflecting on his career in the World Team Cup so far.
“I especially enjoyed the win in Sardinia with Antony (2017), it was one of the best moments of my career and definitely one of my favourites at a World Team Cup.
“It’s something I’m getting used to being older (taking a leadership role). It’s something I enjoy. Hopefully some of the younger players can see themselves a bit in me – I can certainly see myself in them, especially someone like Lucas (de Gouveia) who is very much what I used to be like.
“I enjoy getting to watch the younger players compete and I’ll certainly be trying to lead our team in the best way possible.”
For them to win their first medals in the senior World Team Cup would be a huge step forward.
“He’s been great,” Lapthorne explained. “He’s still learning a lot, about the game and the travel and everything. He’s up to 13th in the world now in singles, he’s doing a great job and I’m sure he’s going to keep thriving as the years go on.
“If we can perform well as a team, there’s no reason why we can’t be in the mix for some medals. For us as a team – I have experienced that but for the other two, they are still getting used to being in those situations. For them to win their first medals in the senior World Team Cup would be a huge step forward.
“It’s not going to be easy, there’s some really good teams there, lots of good players, but the key for us is to play as a team. With mine and Greg’s doubles results we have confidence that if we get down to deciding doubles matches that we have a good chance. The aim for us is to get to the semis and see where we go from there.”
The World Team Cup gets underway from Tuesday 6 May to Sunday 11 May, with British teams competing in the men’s, women’s, quad and junior events.
Check out our full preview to find out more about the competition, the teams and how you can watch at home.
