Question: How do you play tennis in a wheelchair?

Answer:  With a great deal of practice, skill, fitness and strategy.

History of the sport:  Wheelchair tennis originated in the USA in the 1970’s and has grown in popularity, competitiveness and skill with active players estimated at over 15,000.  The only difference between wheelchair tennis and regular tennis is that wheelchair players can let the ball bounce twice (if they choose).

A wheelchair tennis player must have a medically diagnosed, permanent mobility-related physical disability, resulting in a substantial or total loss of function in one or more lower extremities.  Examples of permanent disabilities that meet the eligibility criteria include paralysis, amputation, radiological evidence of limb shortening and joint replacement.  

Wheelchair tennis stands out among wheelchair sports in that it lets able-bodied and disabled players play against each other on the same court.  A disabled player can play against an able-bodied player, or partner with an able-bodied player in a format called “up/down” doubles.

There are several divisions that identify the levels of play in wheelchair tennis ranging from Open level to A, B, C and D. Wheelchair tennis players can play in able-bodied events with two bounces and can be rated according to NTRP characteristics. Tournaments are held in every major region of the USA, in all sections of the USTA, and in over 80 foreign countries.  In 1998, wheelchair tennis was made a part of the International Tennis Federation.