The Adaptive Athlete - Part 4: Wheelchair Tennis Today
After 50 years of progress, wheelchair tennis continues to evolve and thrive today. Each new generation innovates to reach new heights in the elite para-sport.
'The Adaptive Athlete' Exhibit at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum (2026) by International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF)International Tennis Hall of Fame
Wheelchair tennis in 2026
Today, wheelchair tennis is fully integrated into World Tennis (formerly the International Tennis Federation). It is played at all four Grand Slams and is a Paralympic full-medal sport. The UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour holds 160 tournaments in 40 countries worldwide.
Wheelchair tennis in 2026
The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum expanded its Global Gallery in 2026 to showcase and honor the rich history of wheelchair tennis, its pioneers, champions, and modern stars.
Wheelchair tennis continues to grow and evolve today. New players continue to redefine the level of the game, pushing themselves to the absolute limit to make history. This includes modern stars such as Shingo Kunieda, Yui Kamiji, Kgothatso Montjane, Dylan Alcott, and countless other players.
Shingo Kunieda, Australian Open Champion (2010) by Paul ZimmerInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Shingo Kunieda raises the bar
When it comes to sporting excellence, very few people have made the same impact as Japan's Shingo Kunieda. Kunieda has completely changed the face of wheelchair tennis. With his impressive speed and instincts on the court, he pioneered the one-bounce game.
At 9 years old, doctors discovered a tumor on Shingo Kunieda’s spine. After becoming paralyzed, Kunieda discovered wheelchair tennis at age 11. During his career, he won 50 major titles; 28 were singles titles, more than any other tennis player in history. From 2007 to 2010, Kunieda went on a 106-match winning streak. In 2023, Kunieda announced his retirement from the sport, leaving behind one of the most impressive legacies tennis has ever seen.
Current World No. 1, Yui Kamiji (2025) by AP Images/Aurelien MorissardInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Yui Kamiji rises to the top
Japan’s Yui Kamiji has dominated the women’s game in recent years. Currently the top-ranked player, she has won 36 major titles as of August 2026, including the 2014 doubles Grand Slam with Great Britain's Jordanne Whiley.
Yui Kamiji rises to the top
Kamiji has won five Paralympic medals, including two gold medals. She is also the only non-Dutch woman to win the year-end Wheelchair Tennis Masters singles championship.
Calendar Year "Golden Slam" Winner, Dylan Alcott (2021) by AP Images/Elise AmendolaInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Carrying on the Aussie wheelchair tennis legacy
Australian Dylan Alcott is one of the most decorated players in quad division history. He was born with a tumor wrapped around his spine. The surgery required to remove the tumor caused paraplegia. He dominated the quad division, winning 23 major titles before retiring in 2022.
In 2021, Alcott won the elusive “Golden Grand Slam,” winning all four singles majors and a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. He and Stefanie Graf are the only two tennis players to have achieved this feat. Using his tennis platform, Alcott became an advocate for more positive disability representation and open conversations about the subject. In 2015, Alcott gave a TEDx talk titled Mainstreaming Disability. In 2018, he launched Ability Fest, an inclusive and accessible music festival.
“Talking about disability normalizes it. It does not make things awkward. Just the opposite, it makes people more comfortable. It breaks down barriers." - Dylan Alcott
First African Player to Participate in a Wheelchair Major, Kgothatso Montjane (2021) by AP Images/Seth WenigInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Kgothatso Montjane breaks barriers
Kgothatso Montjane is South Africa's top wheelchair tennis player, bringing the sport more visibility in underrepresented areas. In 2013, Montjane became the first player from the African continent to participate in a wheelchair major when she qualified for the Australian Open.
Kgothatso Montjane breaks barriers
As of August 2026, Montjane has won four major doubles titles, all with partner Yui Kamiji. At the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, she broke a significant barrier by becoming the first Black South African to win a title.
Kgothatso Montjane's Grand Slam glory
In this video, Montjane describes how a congenital condition caused her foot to be amputated at age 12 and how this led her to become one of the top players in the sport.
Detail of Israel Open Program, NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour (1994) by Israel Tennis AssociationInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Inspiring history, exciting future
The inspiring history of wheelchair tennis is vast, and there are so many players, coaches, and contributors that we couldn't mention here. Each has played a significant role in growing the sport and providing opportunities for athletes across the globe over the past 50 years.
Inspiring history, exciting future
With World Tennis (formerly the International Tennis Federation) governing and promoting wheelchair tennis on the international stage, and the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour operating a pro tour and events for men, women, and quad divisions, the sport will thrive and grow.
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