As Ash Barty looks ahead to Wimbledon, another Ipswich local is preparing to defend his world title on the tennis court.
Archie Graham is currently the world champion in men’s singles for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
He won the world title not once, but four times, proving that the town of Ipswich in southern Queensland produces world-class tennis stars.
“I don’t know what’s in the water, it’s just a small town that produces big stars on the scene,”
Graham said.
“We’re both from Ipswich and we’re both very successful on our tracks.”
Archie Graham trains twice a day before the championships. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
Graham said he was impressed with his fellow Ipswich man.
“It’s quite remarkable what she did going from clay to grass; it’s not easy to do with two different surfaces,” he said.
“I hope she goes all the way at Wimbledon. There is no doubt in my mind that she has the game to do it.
The tennis star can’t wait to defend her title. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
“She loves grass and she will become number one in this sport… I hope she does.”
The 25-year-old, who has Asperger’s syndrome, won his first world title in South America at the International Federation of Intellectually Disabled Athletes (INAS) World Tennis Championships after a two-and-a-half hour match.
“I was exhausted after that game, but I was so excited and it was my first time overseas,” Graham said.
“I was on my knees going, ‘Yeah, I won.’
Motivated by his grandmother’s love of the game
Graham described himself as a late bloomer, coming to the sport at the age of 15.
“My grandmother loved tennis and her siblings played too, so I thought I would try and watch myself now,”
Graham said.
“It’s tough training at the moment because I’m training six days a week for four hours each time on the field.
Archie Graham is looking forward to playing at home in Queensland. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
“You have to have a lot of passion for the sport you love and that’s what pushes us to go further: to be better every time.”
He said his secret weapon was a combination of his serve and his forehand.
“As far as surfaces go, hard is definitely my favorite surface, but I also train on grass,” he said.
Defending your world title at home
Having played all over the world – in Ecuador, the United States, England and France – Graham hopes to win a fifth consecutive world title later this year in Brisbane.
Archie Graham trains with his team at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
“I was thrilled to hear we were here in Brisbane this year,” he said.
“I really hope a lot of people come to see me defend my title, it would mean a lot to me, especially with the home field advantage.”
Graham’s wise advice for Barty
Being world number one isn’t easy, but Graham’s advice to his Ipswich compatriot was to keep your head up.
Archie Graham hopes Ash Barty stays strong at Wimbledon. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
“Keep training hard, Ash, and show the passion you have on the field and you will retain first place,” he said.
“Everyone wants to beat you when you are number one, so you have to show no mercy and give it your all.”
