About wheelchair tennis

Wheelchair tennis became popular in 1976 thanks to Brad Parks, founder of a competitive version of this sport. United States of America is a cradle of wheelchair tennis where the National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis, a first organization was established in 1980. Since growing popularity of this sport, in 1988 the International Wheelchair Tennis Federation was established. Soon after, many countries around the world founded their national wheelchair tennis organizations.

Wheelchair tennis popularity grew when it was demonstrated at the Seoul 1988 Summer Paralympics. It was at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona that wheelchair tennis acquired the status of a full-fledged competition.

One of the fastest growing wheelchair sports is tennis and what makes it interesting is the fact that it can be played on any regular tennis court whit the standard rackets and balls. Therefore this sport is gaining popularity rapidly.

Wheelchair tennis is played in Croatia since 1993. The first international tournament Croatia Open was held in Pula and since 1996. the Croatian national team performs at the World Cup and has not missed any of the competitions.

A while ago there were just 11 tournaments in the international competitive program under the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour and to this day it counts 160 events all over the world. In 2014 UNIQLO became the title sponsor of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour and continued this successful tennis story.