French Paralympic medalist among greatest wheelchair tennis pros to compete in Mission Viejo

Michaël Jérémiasz has had a love affair with tennis since he was 6 years old. So it’s no surprise that the 34-year-old Frenchman continued playing the sport after a skiing accident in 2000 left him a paraplegic.

“Tennis has always been one of my favorite sports, so it became obvious after my accident to keep playing,” he said.

Today, Michaël is gearing up for the UNIQLO Wheelchair Doubles Masters in Mission Viejo Nov. 3-7 at the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion, 27474 Casta Del Sol. The Paralympic medalist is among the world’s greatest wheelchair tennis players that will compete in this South County city.

Michaël is busy practicing and physically training in the sport that changed his life.

“Wheelchair tennis definitely sped up my recovery and increased my appetite for life,” he said, noting that the sport is more challenging than able-bodied tennis.

The UNIQLO Wheelchair Doubles Masters is the International Tennis Federation’s flagship wheelchair tennis doubles event. First staged in 2000, the season-ending event features the world’s top eight men’s pairs, top six women’s pairs and top four quad pairs. Mission Viejo is hosting the event for the third straight year.

“The Doubles Masters is definitely the most pleasant event of the year ... We feel so welcome in Mission Viejo,” Michaël said. “The city of Mission Viejo is doing a great job in its involvement and in its communication.”

Stay tuned to http://www.wheelchairdoublesmasters.com for updates about the upcoming excitement.