The sport of wheelchair tennis is entering an exciting new chapter as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) prepares to launch a revamped professional calendar in 2026. This ambitious restructure aims to integrate more wheelchair tennis events alongside ATP and WTA tournaments, broadening the sport’s reach and providing greater competitive opportunities for athletes.

Wheelchair tennis, while still relatively young compared to its able-bodied counterpart, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in the mid-1970s. The sport was invented by Brad Parks, who suffered a skiing accident in 1976. Parks, along with Jeff Minnebraker, is credited with developing the game and founding the first wheelchair tennis competitions. By adapting the rules slightly—most notably allowing the ball to bounce twice, with the second bounce permitted outside the court—wheelchair tennis created a fast-paced and compelling variation of the traditional game, building its own identity and fanbase.

Since the first official wheelchair tennis tournament in 1977, the sport has gradually gained recognition. It was introduced as a Paralympic sport at the 1992 Barcelona Games and has been a Paralympic mainstay since. Over the years, elite players have emerged, pushing the standards higher and increasing visibility globally. Among these stars is Alfie Hewett, whose achievements have made him one of the most celebrated figures in the sport. With 33 Grand Slam titles to his name across singles and doubles, Hewett represents not just excellence on the court but also a passionate ambassador for tennis’s wheelchair division.

Hewett, British and widely admired for his resilience and skill, has frequently spoken about the importance of integrating wheelchair tennis more seamlessly with mainstream events. His advocacy reflects a broader push within the tennis community for greater equality and recognition. As he puts it, “Now is the time to take the chance to grow our sport even further and make integrated events the norm rather than the exception.”

The ITF’s new structure codifies this vision. Set to debut in 2026, the revamped calendar will feature a three-tier system: Premier, International, and Development events, mirroring the hierarchy seen in able-bodied tennis. The Premier Tier will include the Grand Slam tournaments and Masters events, ensuring wheelchair tennis stars play on the sport’s biggest stages with optimal exposure and prize opportunities. Beneath that, the International and Development tiers will offer emerging players more chances to compete, hone their skills, and ascend through the ranks.

This expansion marks a significant milestone. It builds upon a decade of progress in wheelchair tennis, which has seen increased media coverage, sponsorship, and fan interest. The sport’s presence at major tennis venues, such as Wimbledon and the US Open, has become more prominent. For instance, when Hewett won his first Wimbledon singles title in 2017, wheelchair tennis was still fighting for mainstream respect. Today, that narrative has evolved dramatically as tournaments strive for inclusivity and celebrate the athleticism of wheelchair players alongside their able-bodied peers.

David Haggerty, the ITF president, has voiced strong enthusiasm for this development, framing it as part of a strategic push to embed wheelchair tennis firmly into the global tennis ecosystem. He highlighted the success of existing integrated tournaments as a foundation for this more comprehensive tour, which aims at not just professional advancement but also inspiring aspiring players worldwide.

The underlying ethos of this new era emphasizes accessibility—ensuring that athletes have access to world-class training, coaching, and equipment. Role models like Alfie Hewett play a vital role in this ecosystem, motivating a new generation to pick up their racquets and compete. The enhanced calendar will also boost prize money and elevate the sport’s visibility, facilitating a virtuous cycle of growth and recognition.

This expanded spotlight on wheelchair tennis aligns with a broader societal shift towards inclusivity in sports and public life. As awareness of the capabilities and competitive spirit of athletes with disabilities grows, so too does the drive to provide equal opportunities and celebrate sporting achievement without distinction.

Wheelchair tennis today is no longer a niche pursuit; it is a dynamic, competitive, and rapidly evolving sport with a passionate global following. The integration of wheelchair events into the ATP and WTA tour calendars represents a watershed moment that promises to accelerate the sport’s momentum. Fans and players alike can look forward to more thrilling matches on the biggest stages, heightened media attention, and a deepening sense of unity across the tennis community.

Looking ahead, the message from trailblazers like Hewett is clear: the time to capitalize on these advances and push wheelchair tennis even further is now. With the ITF’s new calendar set to launch, the game’s exciting trajectory will continue, inspiring countless players to write the next chapter in wheelchair tennis history.