Wheelchair tennis appeared for the first time on the Paralympic program in 1992. It originated from the USA in the 1970's, and it continues to develop a strong following of players and fans internationally.
The game follows traditional tennis rules and certainly maintains the same traditions of high levels of skill, fitness and strategy. The only difference in wheelchair tennis competitions is that the players are allowed two bounces of the ball; the first bounce being within the bounds of the court.
To be eligible for these competitions, the athlete must be medically diagnosed as having a mobility-related disability. Singles and doubles events are included in the Paralympic program.
Classifications
Players are classified on a skills basis in the following categories:
- Open - Elite level players
- A, B, C, D - Graded players
- There is a separate division for quad players
For more information visit http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/WheelchairTennis.aspx
Wheelchair Tennis Documents
Rules of Wheelchair Tennis http://www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/rules/
Rules of Tennis http://www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/rules/rulesoftennis.asp
2010 ITF Wheelchair Tennis Handbook http://www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/rules/wheelchairtennishandbook.asp
Current International and Australian Results
For all Tournament results visit http://www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/tournaments/
For all Paralympic results visit www.paralympic.org.au
For more information on Wheelchair Tennis please contact:
Tennis Australia http://www.tennis.com.au/
International Tennis Federation http://www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/
Australian Paralympic Committee www.paralympic.org.au