Australian wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott has spoken with Mark Levy after today announcing his imminent retirement.

After winning 15 Grand Slam singles titles and eight doubles titles, Alcott will retire from Quad Wheelchair tennis after the Australian Open in January.

He told Mark and Todd Woodbridge it feels “a little surreal” to have announced the news to the world after considering his future for so long.

“I couldn’t have finished my career at the US Open, it’s not my home.

“My home is the Australian Open: it’s changed my life, the fans have changed my life.”

Mark shared with Alcott a message he received from Kerry, whose 16-year-old son has cerebral palsy and was inspired by the tennis star to hit the courts.

‘Could you please thank Dylan for changing my son’s life, and showing him that a disability doesn’t mean he can’t follow his dreams’, the note read.

“Tear[ing] up brother … I’m lost for words when I hear that.

“That’s why I get out of bed every day: it’s not to win grand slams, it’s to change perceptions so people with disability live the lives they deserve to live.”

Press PLAY below to hear the emotional exit interview

Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images