Following the approval of a new calendar structure by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), additional professional wheelchair tennis events will take place at ATP and WTA competitions in the following year.
A “significant number” of new ones will take place at ATP and WTA tournaments, according to the ITF, which will include “higher standards” and “elevated prize money.
In addition to six ATP and WTA matches, the four Grand Slams currently host both wheelchair and non-wheelchair competitions.
Alfie Hewett, a 33-time Grand Slam champion in both singles and doubles, described the expansion as a “great opportunity for players to take their careers to the next level.”
In the Wimbledon wheelchair singles final, Tokito Oda defeated world number two Hewett, who added, “Now is the time to take the opportunity to expand our sport and make integrated events the norm rather than the exception.”
David Haggerty, the ITF’s president, stated that the organization was “building on the success of the small number of existing integrated events to create a tour that is even more effective in enhancing the careers of professional and aspiring players.”
The wheelchair tennis tour will have three levels starting in 2026: the Premier, International, and Development.
related subjects
- Tennis
- Sport for people with disabilities
Source: BBC
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