The award was launched in 2017 to honour an individual or organisation who embodies the principles and core values of UNIQLO, which, it is claimed, embraces challenges in pursuit of the promotion of wheelchair tennis and is admired for its integrity and character.

A former world number one in quad singles and doubles, Taylor has won five Paralympic medals, including three doubles gold medals.

He also has a unique place in the history of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Doubles Masters, alongside his countryman David Wagner.

Taylor and Wagner won an 11th quads title at this year’s event in Dutch city Bemmel, where Taylor was announced as the winner of the UNIQLO Spirit Award by Kohsuke Kobayashi, chief operations officer of UNIQLO Belgium, Netherlands and Spain.

The pair triumphed after beating the British pair of Antony Cotterill and Andy Lapthorne in a repeat of last year's final.

They came through 6-4, 7-6 to continue their dominance in quad doubles.

"Taylor is a role model for anyone of any age or ability, including aspiring quad division players," an International Tennis Federation statement read.

"He has constantly given back to the sport of tennis, whether it be inspiring and encouraging young players on wheelchair tennis camps, undertaking tournament director duties for a Pro Circuit event in his home town or passing on his knowledge, insight and passion for the sport as an assistant coach at his local university.

"He began playing wheelchair tennis aged 14, determined to make it on to his high school tennis team.

"Since then he has overcome numerous challenges to become one of the sport’s most successful players."

Ecuador’s Esteban Ortiz was named as the UNIQLO Spirit Award runner-up for 2018.

Ortiz has competed with distinction for his country and as an individual over the last 11 years.

He formed the first group of local tennis players in his country before developing the sport nationally and helping to establish his nation on the global scene.