Erenlib to debut at NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters after Alcott withdraws

Itay Erenlib is set to make his debut at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters ©ITF/Bernard Brad Pacalin

Quad singles number one Dylan Alcott has withdrawn from the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters and Israel’s Itay Erenlib has been called up to replace the Australian at the tournament, which will run from December 2 to 6 in London.

The withdrawal of Alcott, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, for as yet unconfirmed reasons, has presented Erenlib with the opportunity to make his debut at the event after he enjoyed an impressive rise up the rankings during 2015.

Having started the year ranked 27th in the world, Erenlib produced a series of impressive performances with his first International Tennis Federation (ITF) 1 Series title coming at the Open de L'Ile de Re in France.

That propelled him into the top ten, before a win at the Sardinia Open elevated him into fifth.

With only the top four players set to compete in the quad singles event in London, the Israeli is set to be the underdog with America’s David Wagner now the highest ranked player, while South Africa’s Lucas Sithole and Britain’s Andy Lapthorne complete the line-up.

Meanwhile in the men’s singles competition Japan’s Shingo Kunieda will target a fourth title at the ITF season-ending championship, with his event featuring the top eight players in the world.

Kunieda will head to the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as the top seed and will hope to replicate his success at the venue during London 2012, where he won his second straight Paralympic title.

Shingo Kunieda will start as the favourite for the men's singles title ©Getty Images

The world number two Stephane Houdet of France and The Netherlands’ Maikel Scheffers have previously won the event but fifth seed Gordon Reid will be hoping to overcome their challenge in front of a home crowd.

Reid recently rose to the top of the ITF wheelchair tennis doubles rankings but he will be seeking singles joy in his second appearance at the competition, having debuted last year.

The women’s top three ranked players have all lifted the NEC Masters trophy in recent years with world number one Aniek van Koot having triumphed in 2014 after beating fellow Dutchwoman and 2012 champion Jiske Griffioen.

World number three Yui Kamiji of Japan claimed the 2013 title and remains the only non-Dutch winner of the women’s singles event.

insidethegames has requested more details surrounding Alcott's withdrawal.