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'Pretty tough time': Dylan Alcott's staggering act for disabled bushfire victims

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·2-min read

Dylan Alcott has choked back tears while announcing an incredible gesture after winning a sixth-straight Australian Open quad singles crown.

Alcott proudly declared he'd raised more than $40,000 for the disabled affected by Australia's bushfires following his 6-0 6-4 final triumph over England's Andy Lapthorne on Saturday night.

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Australia's only disabled winner of the Newcombe Medal, Alcott pledged to donate $100 per ace during his wheelchair quad singles and doubles campaigns.

Dylan Alcott, pictured here celebrating his Australian Open triumph with Novak Djokovic.
Dylan Alcott celebrates his Australian Open triumph with Novak Djokovic. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

But with several sponsors kicking in, he ensured $800 for every one of his 41 aces would go towards disabled bushfire sufferers.

"We will be donating $40,000 to help people with a disability affected by bushfires," Alcott said.

"And I know it's been a pretty tough time in Australia and to try to help out in any way that we can, I was donating $100 per ace at the Australian Open and then all my team actually came on board.

"So, we actually donated $800 per ace and coming in to today."

How tennis saved Alcott’s life

Alcott also delivered a powerful message to those affected by disabilities.

“If you look around at the top row, every single person in that top row pretty much has a disability and is in a disability seat,” Alcott said.

“So to any young person, please keep doing what you’re doing.

“I promise you as we keep continuing to grow, society will support you and help you do whatever you want to do, like it has done for me.”

Dylan Alcott, pictured here celebrating winning the Australian Open.
Dylan Alcott celebrates winning the Australian Open. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Alcott heaped praise on Australian Open organisers for being “the most inclusive of the grand slams”.

“Tennis honestly saved my life, it really did, when I was younger. And the Australian Open single-handedly changed my life, it really has,” he said.

“It’s the most inclusive of the Grand Slams.

“To be able to back us to come out here and put on a show live on TV around the world and in front of this unbelievable crowd … I love every single one of you for supporting what we do.”

with AAP