Determined Turkish wheelchair tennis player sets sights on Grand Slam title at Wimbledon Championships
Ahmet Kaplan, a 23-year-old athlete from Turkey, has made a remarkable impact in the world of wheelchair tennis, reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone, making Kaplan the first Turkish wheelchair tennis player to advance this far in a Grand Slam tournament.
Kaplan's journey in tennis began just five years ago, after a coach introduced him to the sport he had never played or watched before. His initial foray into tennis was not a straightforward one, as it was preceded by a life-changing accident that left him without his legs at the age of eight, following an electric shock incident.
After a long recovery period, Kaplan turned to sports as a means to rebuild his life. His first attempt was wheelchair basketball, which he played in high school. However, due to financial issues, his team disbanded, and he was forced to seek a new sport.
Entering the world of tennis less than two years ago, Kaplan quickly demonstrated his potential. Just three months after picking up a racket, he entered his first tournament and surprisingly finished third. This rapid progression led him to the Grand Slam circuit, where he has consistently competed at the highest level.
In June 2025, Kaplan, partnered with Donald Ramphadi, reached the men's quad doubles final at Roland Garros. More recently, he participated in the 2025 Wimbledon Quad Wheelchair Singles semifinals, where he faced top player Niels Vink from the Netherlands. Although Kaplan lost the match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0, his performance against a dominant champion like Vink, who is vying for his seventh Grand Slam singles title, showcased his ability to compete at the sport's highest level.
Kaplan carries the Turkish flag onto the Wimbledon courts with pride and ambition. His goal is to bring a Grand Slam title to his country. This ambition is evident in his statement, "My biggest goal is to bring a Grand Slam title to my country." He also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes with disabilities, as he continues to make history in the world of wheelchair tennis.
Looking ahead, Kaplan plans to compete in the U.S. Open, aiming to reach the final. His trajectory reflects ambitions to convert semifinal and final appearances into outright championships, particularly at Wimbledon and other Grand Slams where he frequently advances to the latter stages.
Kaplan's presence in events such as Wimbledon and Roland Garros places him among the elite wheelchair tennis players globally. He contends with players holding multiple Grand Slam titles, highlighting his position just below the very top but within striking distance of major victories. His competitive performances against dominant champions and his ranking as world No. 4 in quad wheelchair tennis as of 2025, underscore his potential to win a Grand Slam title.
As Kaplan continues to make waves in the world of wheelchair tennis, his story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that with determination and resilience, one can overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
Sports have been an integral part of Kaplan's journey, with tennis emerging as his primary focus after a five-year stint in wheelchair basketball. Despite the challenging circumstances that led him to the world of wheelchair tennis, Kaplan's skills in the sport have proven remarkable, even reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2025, a significant milestone for both Kaplan and Turkish sports.
