Breakwell dreams of Grand Slams after career high

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  • 3 hours ago

It has been a year of debilitating lows and career highs for British wheelchair tennis player Abbie Breakwell.

After recovering from an illness that was so bad she almost lost her sight, the Paralympian has managed to recover to climb to number 28 in the world rankings.

And the 23-year-old did all that while completing her studies at Loughborough University.

“All the hard work is paying off,” Breakwell, from Long Eaton, told BBC East Midlands Today.

“Even though my year was delayed and I couldn’t properly start it until May, to keep pushing on and going from my ranking dropping to the lowest it’s ever been to a career high is absolutely amazing.

“The fact that in such a short time I’ve managed to make such leaps to keep striving forwards really proves how well both me and my team have worked.”

Breakwell was forced out of action for almost three months after catching Covid-19 in February.

She was hospitalised and even lost her sight for a time because of complications with the neurological condition she lives with, called spinal syrinx.

But after a cluster of wins in the past few months, her world ranking has soared.

Breakwell’s mother, Sarah, said the year of trials and tribulations come down to her daughter simply “never giving up”.

“The main thing is her determination never to stop and just keep driving forward,” Sarah continued.

The season is now wrapping up for Breakwell, allowing her time to reflect and plan a much-deserved post-season treat.

“I’m going to see if I can go on holiday,” she said. “I’d love to go to Disney in Florida but we’ll have to see what the bank can afford!”

And as for next year? “I hope that I can get into a Grand Slam, but also I’m just looking forward to playing more tennis. You never know what’s going to happen so let’s see.”

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