28 January 2017 | Alex Sharp

Dylan Alcott continues to rewrite history having clinched his third consecutive Quad Wheelchair singles title on Rod Laver Arena.

“It feels amazing,” said the 26-year-old. “To go three in a row is what I wanted, but to play in the first ever wheelchair match on the Centre Court of a Grand Slam feels unbelievable. It’s humbling and an honour to be a part of it.

“I can’t thank Tennis Australia enough. You are breaking glass ceilings with me and changing perceptions of disabilities together,” added Alcott, who hopes to persuade Wimbledon and Roland Garros to introduce a Quad Wheelchair Championships.

“I remember Novak (Djokovic) gave me this trophy last year and said ‘not even I can win a Grand Slam in my own City, there isn’t one.’ I live literally 10 minutes away and train here every day, so it’s pretty cool to be able to do that.”

Melbourne’s very own had navigated through the Round-Robin qualification unbeaten with a maximum three wins and replicated that form in a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne.

In a repeat of the Rio Olympics final, which Alcott also secured, the home favourite stormed 3-0 ahead in each set to dominate proceedings, striking 18 winners to receive the trophy from a childhood idol.

“I still have a poster of Pat Rafter on my wall at our family house and I’m 26, so that was very cool getting the trophy presented by Pat!”

Meanwhile his opponent was gracious in defeat. “Congrats Dylan, you’re by far the best player in the world right now,” said Lapthorne. “You deserved the victory. Sorry for today’s performance, it wasn’t one of my best but maybe the moment got to me a bit.

“We’ll work hard and go again. Thank you the Australian Open for having this wheelchair final on the Centre Court. I may have lost this match but I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”