Dylan Alcott's beaten opponent Andy Lapthorne has paid an emotional tribute to the world number one, with the pair embracing following their Australian Open quad wheelchair singles semifinal at Melbourne Park.
Alcott had just defeated Lapthorne 6-3, 6-0 on Kia Arena when they met at the net to shake hands.
They hugged each other in a warm embrace, with Alcott saying on court he "got a bit emotional".
Alcott said his long-time rival thanked him for the inspiration he had provided him during his career.
"Andy is always a tough opponent, we had some great battles here at the Australian Open," Alcott told his media conference.
"We were the first to play on the big courts here in a grand slam final, first grand slam to do it. It was against Andy.
"He's always been a great competitor and a good guy."
The win over Lapthorne moves Alcott closer to finishing his career on a winning note after he reached his eighth straight Australian Open quad wheelchair singles final.
Alcott — who announced late last year he would retire after the Australian Open — plays Dutchman Sam Schröder in Thursday's final.
The 31-year-old has won seven straight singles crowns at Melbourne Park and he is favoured to add another to his tally this week.
His draw has been tough, having had to face rising Dutch star Niels Vink in his opening match, which he won in three sets.
Lapthorne posed as another difficult opponent, with the Briton having previously defeated Alcott on the major stage.
He denied Alcott a Grand Slam in 2019 when beat the Australian in the US Open final.
Both players endured nervous moments in the first set, trading service break inside the opening five games.
Alcott snared a second break on his way to serving for the set at 5-3, although he did not have it all his own way.
Lapthorne — a two-time US Open winner — had three break points, but Alcott recovered to hold serve and win the set.
The 'Golden Slam' winner rushed through the second set, surviving a break point as he served out the match, which lasted an hour and nine minutes.
"I felt better than I did the other day (against Vink)," Alcott said.
"I tried to lean in a bit more, have some more fun, which I was happy about."
Schröder eased past Alcott's doubles partner Heath Davidson in the other semifinal, winning 6-1, 6-2.
