The stage was set on a blazing hot Saturday afternoon at Wimbledon’s famous Court 3, with the iconic church steeple standing tall in the background. For Donald Ramphadi and Gregory Slade, this moment was the culmination of an incredible month filled with milestones, challenges, and unforgettable memories.
Ramphadi, the South African wheelchair tennis star, recently celebrated his wedding, while Slade, his British partner, has been enjoying a strong grass-court season. Together, they entered Wimbledon as underdogs but left as runners-up in the Quad Wheelchair Doubles final—a remarkable achievement for a pair playing only their second tournament together and their very first on grass.
Facing the Best in the Game
Their opponents in the final were no easy challenge. They faced the seasoned duo of Guy Sasson from Israel and Niels Vink from the Netherlands, a team known for their dominance in wheelchair tennis. Despite a straight-sets loss (6-0, 6-2), the scoreline didn’t reflect the competitive spirit and thrilling moments Ramphadi and Slade brought to the court.
The match was filled with intense rallies, close games, and moments where the South African-British pair had real opportunities to shift momentum. Though they couldn’t convert some crucial points, their fighting spirit and chemistry kept the crowd engaged throughout.
A Partnership Built on Laughter and Support
One of the most endearing aspects of Ramphadi and Slade’s partnership is their visible camaraderie. On court, they could be heard encouraging each other, sharing jokes, and staying positive even when the match wasn’t going their way. Their ability to stay upbeat in high-pressure situations has been a highlight of their journey.
After the match, Ramphadi praised Slade’s sense of humor and uplifting presence, saying, “Greg is a funny guy.” Slade, in turn, reflected on their progress, stating, “We came here as a new pairing with no grass-court experience, so to reach a Wimbledon final is an incredible achievement.”
ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates Jersey Numbers 11 and 15 Handed to New Signings Ahead of 2025/26 Season
A Big Step for Wheelchair Tennis
This year, Wimbledon made a significant change by scheduling the wheelchair doubles final before the ladies’ singles final, allowing more fans to witness the event. This move has been praised for increasing the visibility of wheelchair tennis, giving players like Ramphadi and Slade a bigger platform to showcase their talent.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Despite the loss, Ramphadi and Slade remain optimistic about their future together. They are set to compete again at the Swiss Open, and if their Wimbledon performance is anything to go by, they have a bright path ahead.
Ramphadi summed up their experience perfectly: “We played our best, and we did well.”
For now, the pair will cherish their historic Wimbledon run—a testament to hard work, teamwork, and the joy of competing at the highest level.
Focalistic Biography: Age, Net Worth, Songs, Albums & Career 
Akon City Dream Over as Senegal Cancels $6 Billion Project Due to Delays and Funding Issues. 
Four Alleged Robbery Suspects Shot Dead by Police in Riverlea, Johannesburg 
Pabi Moloi Returns to Television as Host of New Reality Series ‘The Insurance Apprentice’ on SABC3 
DJ Maphorisa and Shaun 101 Caught In Heated Club Spat As Video Goes Viral [Watch] 
The Political Power of Maskandi: Protest Songs Reimagined