College Tennis Ace Triumphs with Double Championship in New York

College alumni and upcoming wheelchair tennis star Dahnon Ward has left his most recent tournament with a double championship to his name.

Dahnon comes away from the New York US Open as both the Junior Wheelchair singles and doubles champion, claiming both titles in just one day, defending his doubles title, and beating his previous runner-up singles position from 2022.

Defeating junior world No.2 Francesco Felici in a nail biting 6-4, 6-3 victory, and sealing his first junior singles Slam rounded off an astonishing week for Dahnon who claimed wins over two other international sporting standouts to get to the final on Saturday.

Reflecting on his victories, Dahnon spoke to England’s Lawn Tennis Association, sharing, “I’m pretty pleased to get the double this year…I can’t put into words the emotions I was feeling when I found out we were playing on the Louis Armstrong Court.”

Just hours later, Dahnon returned to the court with fellow Brit Joshua Johns to take a stellar 6-0, 6-3 victory over American finalists Charle Cooper and Tomas Majetic. 

Curriculum Manager for Sport at Loughborough College, Danny Lee said, “Dahnon has continually strived for excellence, having shown real strength, determination, and skill to get to where he is. It is a pleasure to see his talent rise and he is a credit to the hard working staff and tutors at College who give so much support to upcoming athletes.”

Dahnon previously made headlines earlier this year when he was named the winner of the AoC Sport Achievement in Disability Sport Award, having been recognised for his dedication to disability sports and work to grow parasports representation across Loughborough College and the world stage.

Congratulations on your double championships, Dahnon! A tremendous achievement for inclusive sportspeople at Loughborough College and across the UK.