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Israeli Guy Sasson becomes new Wimbledon champion in quad doubles
‘Representing Israel is one of the most important things to me’
July 13, 2025 13:59
‘Representing Israel is one of the most important things to me’
July 13, 2025 13:59Wimbledon has a new champion – and he comes from Israel. Guy Sasson, a 45-year-old quad wheelchair competitor, continued his strong 2025 season by claiming victory at this year’s tournament.
Sasson and Dutch player Niels Vink faced Brit Greg Slade and South African Donald Ramphadi, securing a decisive victory of 6-0, 6-2 in just over an hour in sweltering temperatures.
Wheelchair tennis features two divisions: open and quad wheelchair. The latter is for athletes with more significant disabilities, including impairments in one or more arms, alongside both legs.
Following his win, Sasson shared a verse in Hebrew from last week’s Torah portion during an on-court interview, which translates as: “A people that rises like a lioness, leaps up like a lion.”
Speaking to the JC after his victory, he said: “After I lost in the singles, it was very difficult. I was disappointed and received many messages of support. One in particular gave me strength to continue, and I wanted to share it after my doubles victory.”
Sasson, born in Ramat Gan, enjoyed tennis as a child but did not pursue it professionally until much later.
After attending the University of Michigan, he founded a real estate company, which he still manages today.
When we succeed on the court, it brings strength to so many back home
His journey into wheelchair tennis began after a 2015 accident that left him paralysed from the knees down. “I spent a year in hospital for rehabilitation. When I came out, I was looking for a place in the community to work on my body. Spivak Sports Centre in Ramat Gan introduced me to wheelchair tennis.”
Sasson obtained his first title in 2024, winning the wheelchair singles in the French Open and dedicating the victory to four recently released Israeli hostages.
In 2025, he formed a successful partnership with Dutch athlete Niels Vink. Together, they won the French Open and teamed up for Sasson’s second Wimbledon.
Sasson expressed pride in representing Israel, saying: “Representing Israel is one of the most important things for me. Everyone knows I represent Israel. In London, Paris, and Melbourne, the Jewish community comes with flags and support. When we succeed on the court, it brings strength to so many back home.”
While Sasson doesn’t see himself as a role model, he acknowledges the impact he has on others. “A lot of injured soldiers or people with disabilities contact me. They see me play and are proud. ‘Role model’ isn’t the right word, but [helping others] means a lot and makes me happy.”
Sasson wasn’t the only player making history at Wimbledon 2025. Julian Cash and his doubles partner Lloyd Glasspool became the first all-British team to win the men’s doubles in 89 years.
Brighton-born Cash's father, Henri, is Jewish and was seen in the crowd during Wednesday’s semifinal wearing a yellow hostage badge.
@guysassonofficial
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