Rockdale wheelchair tennis champion David Hall inducted into Tennis NSW Arena of Champions

David Hall has added to his impressive list of accolades after being inducted into the Tennis NSW Arena of Champions.

The Rockdale resident was acknowledged at Ken Rosewall Arena before the night session of the APIA International in Sydney last Friday.

Hall won every major title in wheelchair tennis including nine Australian Opens, eight US Opens, seven British Opens and eight Japan Opens.

The 46-year-old won the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics and medals in singles and doubles at the 1996 and 2004 Games.

Hall became only the fourth wheelchair player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame at Newport, Rhode Island in July last year.

Hall was also inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame at last year’s Australian Open.

Speaking to the Leader, Hall said he was proud to be recognised closer to home.

‘‘You spend so much time in your area and have all those connections,’’ he said.

‘‘When you’re not travelling you’re at home with your family.

‘‘The people who help you with your tennis are all local so the fact [this] is at a local level and being recognised is fantastic.

‘‘It’s very near and dear to my heart. It’s wonderful.’’

Hall said he remained passionate about encouraging people to take up wheelchair tennis - and that another trip to a grand slam as a spectator was high on his to do list.

‘‘I’m out and about trying to spread the word,’’ he said.

‘‘I would like to try to get to one of the other grand slams, more as a spectator, which I haven’t done in quite a few years.

‘‘Nothing beats it. Especially in a different country or when you get to experience Paris or London or New York for the first time.

‘‘They’re all so different and they all do a great job trying to inset their culture into the tournament.’’