By Erik Gudris | Saturday, April 12, 2014

 

US Open Wheelchair Men's Singles champion Lucas Sithole survived a carjacking incident in his native South Africa.

Photo Credit: ITF

2013 US Open Wheelchair tennis champion Lucas Sithole survived a carjacking while in his native South Africa.

According to the AP, Sithole and his brother were attacked and dragged out of their car by four armed men on Friday night in Johannesburg.

"I am glad my car, wallet and my life are still with me," Sithole said in a statement.

While both men escaped unharmed, Sithole's car was damaged in the attack. Sithole and his brother's cell phones were also stolen.

"Although Lucas is shaken and traumatized, he was not physically injured or shot and is recovering well," the statement said.

Sithole, age 27, became the first African player to win a wheelchair Grand Slam title at last year's US Open in New York.

"We are extremely grateful that Lucas and his brother were not physically injured during the hijacking and will make a speedy recovery from the trauma," Sithole's coach Holger Losch said.