From grief to greatness: KG Montjane finds strength for Australian Open quest

Four-time wheelchair tennis Grand Slam doubles champion Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is eager to put the heartache of 2025 behind her as she resumes her pursuit of a fifth major title at the Australian Open later this month.

South Africa’s most decorated tennis player experienced a year of sharp contrasts in 2025. On court, Montjane continued to cement her status among the elite of women’s wheelchair tennis, lifting the French Open doubles title alongside her longtime Japanese partner Yui Kamiji and reaching the Wimbledon singles semi-finals in another reminder of her enduring class. Off court, however, she endured profound personal loss that tested her resilience more than any opponent ever could.

"Last year was my toughest year, where I was dealing with the loss of my mom and still I’m grieving, but I’m also finding strength to get myself fully back in, taking it one day at a time," she told Independent Media.

"2025 was tough – I can’t even share how I got through it – but I realised there is still more I can do in this year."

It is just the latest sign of the indomitable spirit of the SA tennis star who was born with a congenital defect that resulted in the amputation of her left foot as a teenager. As the new season gathers momentum, Montjane says her build-up to the Australian Open has been both thorough and energising. "Preparations went well, and I did my best to strengthen every area needed. It’s always exciting to take up the challenges ahead and I can’t wait to kickstart my year."

There will be a notable change in Melbourne this year, with Montjane confirming that she will not be teaming up with Kamiji on the Australian tour. Despite the shift, her focus remains firmly fixed on individual progress and long-term goals. “My goal is to keep trying to push to win singles Grand Slams and also improve my world ranking to get back to top four in the world,” she said.

Currently ranked eighth in women’s wheelchair singles, Montjane knows the margins at the top are fine, but she remains motivated as she approaches a milestone year, when she turns 40. Asked whether age or expectations add extra pressure, she was characteristically clear-eyed. “Pressure is part of knowing you care and you can do more and better. I feel pressure in terms of achieving personal goals, not so much on what’s expected of me,” she said.

The Australian Open Wheelchair Championships will be held from 27 to 31 January at Melbourne Park, where Montjane will once again look to channel her experience, resilience and champion’s mindset into another deep Grand Slam run.