Alcott claims fourth-straight Open crown

Dylan Alcott has been everywhere this fortnight - including TV screens - and back on court he won another quad wheelchair Australian Open crown.

Dylan Alcott of Australia kisses his trophy

Dylan Alcott has won a fourth-straight Australian Open quad wheelchair crown, beating David Wagner. (AAP)

Dylan Alcott has set his sights on Wimbledon, having conquered more hearts than ever before in winning his fourth Australian Open crown.

Alcott became the first man or woman in any division to win four consecutive titles at Australia's grand slam by beating top-seeded American David Wagner 7-6 (7-1) 6-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The Melburnian broke open the contest in the first set tiebreak.

After a first-set arm wrestle, Alcott conceded the first point of the decider and raced away with the next seven to claim the set.

With razor-sharp focus, the 27-year-old won the second set in 32 minutes, making just three unforced errors on the way.

After one of the biggest fortnights of his life, Alcott said the dominant feeling was relief.

"Because of the ANZ ad, Will Smith build-up and Rod Laver last night, if I choked, I would have felt really flat," he said.

"But this is the icing on the perfect two weeks."

Alcott has been in millions on Australian homes as the face of bank ANZ's marketing campaign through the Open.

He also got his chance to show his on-court ability on Friday night when organisers threw his match with rival and great mate Heath Davison onto centre court and prime-time after Hyeon Chung's retirement against Roger Federer in the men's singles.

That - and playing tennis with actor Will Smith - made it a memorable Melbourne Park campaign.

"It was a perfect storm," Alcott said.

"They could have put mixed doubles on but it's great t know I have the trust of not only Tennis Australia but (Channel) Seven saying 'no, we want Dylan. We want to put on Heath and Dylan.'

"Ten years ago I could have paid Channel Seven a million dollars to put it on and they would have said no.

"For the first three change of ends, 10,000 people stayed to watch.

"That's crazy stuff."

With hundreds of thousands more watching at home, it was a breakthrough moment for disability sport that Alcott cherished.

"I remember when I was a little kid I used to ask my parents and brother why I never saw anyone like me on TV," he said.

"Kids today won't have to ask that.

"That means the absolute world to me."

Next for Alcott is participation at the first quad wheelchair event at the All England Club, which debuts in 2018.

"Slapping on the all whites is a dream of mine. To say I cannot wait is the biggest understatement of my life."


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Source: AAP



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