Credit One Open provides opportunities for all types of Tennis Stars – WCIV

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by Colin Russell
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Credit One Charleston Open is in full swing as tennis stars from around the world are competing every day throughout the week for a chance to win the record-setting prize money the tournament has to offer.
However, one of the biggest stars of the week is from right here in the Lowcountry. Meet Sydney Fowler, a world-class athlete and young woman, who became paralyzed from the chest down after suffering from a staph infection at the age of 13.
Fowler, who plays wheelchair tennis for Clemson University, put her skills on full display Monday afternoon at the wheelchair tennis exhibition, where she and three other adaptive tennis players showcased their abilities with some impressive volleys that turned every member of the crowd into a supporter.
Fowler's biggest supporter, however, was her mother in the crowd, who couldn't hide how proud she is every day of her daughter.
"You don't know as a parent how proud you can actually be, until life throws you a curve," Christi Fowler, Sydney's mom, said with a big smile. "Then you become proud beyond what you can imagine as a mom; she is the meaning of the word resilience."
When asked about what it means for Sydney to still be active and show the same joy she did before paralysis, Christi said it meant everything.
"She's just so happy to be able to still do competitive things," Christi said, "when she's playing tennis and being active in any capacity, she's her best self. She's beaming."
Almost every spectator walking by stopped to join the evolving crowd around Fowler, immersed in her skill and captivated by her joy.
The event turned on its head, however, when the group caught the attention of tennis stars John Isner (former ATP world No. 8), Sam Querrey (Former ATP world No. 11), and Steve Johnson (former ATP world No. 21 and widely considered the greatest collegiate tennis player of all time). The trio making up the 'Nothing Major' podcast.
READ MORE | Credit One Charleston Open: latest scores, highlights and updates from the second round
The former pros stopped by the court, got to know the adaptive tennis stars, and spent the next 45 minutes playing doubles matches with the group. An experience, Sydnery said, was unexpected yet incredible.
"We were told we were just going to play some tennis," she explained. "It's so much fun to hit with players who have been there and have done so much for the community. It's just so awesome."
Fowler's impressive resume goes far beyond tennis. Sydney placed fourth in the world at the CrossFit Games this past year, something she said she trains for every day. She is also involved in a handful of other athletic challenges, including adaptive water skiing.
Even with her exemplary athletic resume, it was Sydney's enthusiastic optimism and positive mindset that made this experience feel extra special.
She used those traits to her advantage during the latter half of the exhibition, as she began lobbying to the pros on her behalf to be the next guest on their podcast. Not for selfish reasons, however, but to help shed light on adaptive athletes around the world.
"It would be so cool to have a wheelchair tennis player on the show," Fowler said, "for inclusivity, but also to share our perspective on our journeys. We all have incredible stories and inspiring messages."
"That's just classic Sydney," her mom said. "If anyone can make that happen, it is her."
Sam Querrey, however, had a bigger and brighter idea.
"We should just start a tournament with one wheelchair player and a pro," Querrey said, calling on WTA professionals and Charleston Open contestants Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens as the ideal pairings. "We would go full out. One wheelchair and then one of the pro players. It would be fun to watch."
READ MORE | Credit One Charleston Open: full preview and breakdown
The conversation ended with a short and straight-to-the-point conclusion: "Let's make it happen."
To keep up with Sydney's story, you can follow her on TikTok where she has accumulated close to 350K followers on the platform.
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