Japan’s teenage wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda was inspired to take up the sport after watching Shingo Kunieda in action.

For Tokito Oda, Paris is particularly meaningful. Named after the Arc de Triomphe, the city's iconic monument, Oda has also clinched two of his four wheelchair tennis Grand Slam titles at the French Open. The 18-year-old feels that it is destiny for him to make his Paralympic debut in Paris.

Before the wheelchair tennis singles tournament, Tokito Oda shared a photo on Instagram of himself making a wish in front of the Arc de Triomphe, with the word “Dreamer” in the caption. On September 1, he advanced to the third round of the men’s singles by defeating Great Britain’s Ben Bartram in straight sets.

“Returning to Roland Garros is very special for me because I haven’t lost a match here in the last two years. I want to repeat that success,” Oda said.

“I believe these Games will be a turning point in my life. They present an opportunity for a significant change, though I’m not sure exactly how. But I’m confident it will be transformative.”