Kgothatso Montjane Receives Hero's Welcome After Wimbledon Triumph

Speaking to journalists, Montjane shared her excitement, noting that the victory had not fully sunk in yet, especially after being named silver finalists last year.

South African wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane was greeted with excitement and loud cheers as she arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday morning. The atmosphere was filled with flashing cameras and hearty clapping as the sportswoman emerged into the terminal, celebrating her splendid performance at Wimbledon over the weekend.

Montjane, alongside her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, clinched their third Grand Slam title together on Sunday. The number one seeds defeated the Dutch duo, Diede De Groot and Jiske Griffioen, with a score of 6-4, 6-4 to secure the Wimbledon Ladies' Wheelchair Doubles title in London, United Kingdom.

Victorious Return:

Speaking to journalists, Montjane shared her excitement, noting that the victory had not fully sunk in yet, especially after being named silver finalists last year. "I'm still digesting it - but I'm sure it will sink in. This is just a great feeling," she said, beaming with joy.

Montjane emphasized the gruelling nature of the matches and the professionalism required to compete at this level. "We try to fight as a team. We wanted to win this one considering our performance last year. After that match last year, we felt we needed to give it our best. We felt we lacked strategy. So, you can imagine how badly we wanted it. That's why we needed to put our differences aside and put our heads together and fight together as a team."

Overcoming Challenges:

Having had her left leg amputated at age 12 due to a congenital disorder, Montjane described the win as a confidence booster as she prepares for the Paralympic Games in August in Paris. "I feel like I really needed this. I've been having ups and downs throughout the year and my ranking going through ups and downs, and not being sure where I am. This one really gives me a great feeling that I can go to the Games to deliver," she shared.

Montjane, who first picked up a racket at 19, thanked her team for their motivation. "I'm having so many blows and they're the ones who try to keep me motivated so that I keep my head down and continue to work hard. I keep saying I'm winning the wrong Slam but it's still a great achievement. The plan is still to win the Singles title."

Future Aspirations:

The 38-year-old athlete believes she is closer to winning the singles title and needs to stay focused and work hard towards her goal. In 2018, Montjane made history as the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon, reaching the championships' singles and doubles finals for the first time.

"To the young ones, they must keep believing and working hard. Their dreams are valid and they must believe in the world of possibility. Their turn will come," Montjane encouraged.

Recognition and Honor:

Limpopo's MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Jerry Maseko, was present at the airport to welcome Montjane. Expressing the excitement and pride of the provincial leadership, Maseko stated, "The Premier and I were both excited. She directed me to come receive this jewel, this diamond from Limpopo, from a rural township of Seshego."

Maseko expressed gratitude to Montjane for her dedication and consistency from grassroots to the professional level. He also acknowledged her sponsors and announced efforts to construct a tennis court named after her. "It's important to us to honour the living legend. We shouldn't honour people when they have passed on. We must appreciate them while they're still alive."

Montjane's triumph at Wimbledon and her inspiring journey continue to serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring athletes across South Africa.