Tennis West is thrilled to announce a major milestone in the upcoming 2024-2025 Summer League as a wheelchair tennis athlete joins the competition for the first time.
Wayne Arnott, a professional wheelchair tennis player representing Safety Bay Tennis Club, will be making history as he competes alongside able-bodied athletes. This significant step towards greater accessibility and inclusivity is an exciting moment for Tennis West and the broader tennis community in Western Australia.
Supporting Wayne Arnott in His Journey
Wayne, who has been ranked as high as 344 in the world, is embracing this challenge with the goal of refining his skills ahead of the Nationals event in November. His participation is not just about competing; it’s a symbol of the sport’s growing inclusivity.
We encourage clubs and individuals to support this initiative by ensuring their venues are accessible and reaching out to the Safety Bay team captain or Wayne directly if there are any logistical challenges.
Wheelchair Tennis Rules and Guidelines
All players in the 2024-2025 Summer League, including wheelchair tennis athletes, will follow the standard Tennis West League Rules & Regulations. Here are the main differences to be aware of when playing against a wheelchair tennis athlete:
- Two-Bounce Rule: Wheelchair tennis players are allowed two bounces of the ball, with the second bounce being anywhere on or off the court as long as the first bounce is in the court.
- Wheelchair as Part of the Body: The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body, so all rules that apply to the player’s body also apply to the wheelchair.
Understanding UTRs for Wheelchair Tennis Players
Universal Tennis Ratings (UTRs) for wheelchair tennis athletes will function the same as for any new player. Wayne’s UTR was initially established based on his performance against another player, ensuring a fair and competitive start.
Preparing for Competition
Players are encouraged to approach matches against wheelchair athletes as they would any other match. There will be no need to adjust playing surfaces, as wheelchair tennis is played on all types of courts, from hard courts to grass.
While doubles matches will see some adaptation to the two-bounce rule, Wayne will only be participating in singles matches during this league season.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Tennis
This initiative aligns with Tennis West’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities, Tennis West aims to build sustainable and adaptable tennis programs that welcome everyone to the sport.
Clubs interested in enhancing their inclusivity efforts are invited to contact Zara Cavalot, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, for guidance on increasing the availability of adaptable tennis programs. You can email Zara HERE
A Growing Trend Across Australia
While this marks the first appearance of a wheelchair tennis athlete in our Summer League, this practice is already well-established in other states. As the pool of wheelchair tennis players grows, so does the need for more competitive practice opportunities at local, national, and international levels.
Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and supporting the future of wheelchair tennis in Western Australia!
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