Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be personally handing Kunieda this honour at the Sōri Daijin Kantei, his official workplace and residence, the country's press agency Kyodo News reported. 

The announcement that he will receive the award came last month after he retired in January atop the world rankings in men's singles.

The 39-year-old ended his impressive career with a total 28 Grand Slam titles and four gold medals at the Paralympic, winning the title in four of the last five Games, including Tokyo 2020. 

His latest victory was at the Wimbledon Grand Slam last July, where he secured he secured a singles title to become the first player to complete career "Golden Slam" in men’s wheelchair singles.

At SW19, Kunieda also won the doubles title alongside Gustavo Fernández of Argentina, his 22nd Grand Slam doubles title.

Kunieda was inspired by his mother to become a tennis player after he was forced to use a wheelchair at the age of nine due to a spinal tumour.

He became a professional player in 2009 at the age of 25.

"I feel honoured and humbled," said Kunieda.

"I hope this will lead to the development of not only wheelchair tennis but also Para sports as a whole."

The People's Honour award has been handed to 26 individuals and one group ever since its establishment in 1977.

It has been given to outstanding people who achieved major success in sports, entertainment and culture.

Kunieda has spent more than 11 years of his career as number one in the men's singles world rankings and is currently still holding that position, despite his retirement.