Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair Tennis in New Zealand

Tennis is more than just a sport, it’s a community that offers something for everyone.

Wheelchair tennis is the perfect example that mobility impairments are no barrier to excelling on the court. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced game that showcases incredible skill, strategy, and athleticism. All played on the same courts, using the same equipment, and following the same rules as able-bodied tennis.

There’s only one difference: players are allowed two bounces of the ball.

Whether you’re dreaming of Grand Slam competition, looking to play competitively, or just keen to enjoy a fun and social hit, wheelchair tennis is an awesome way to get involved in the game and connect with others across Aotearoa.

Get Involved

Try It Out

Come along to a Wheelchair Tennis Activation or community session near you! These events are a great chance to experience the sport, meet players, and learn from qualified coaches in a fun and supportive environment.

Upcoming Activations:

Join us on Sunday 9th November at the Auckland Netball Centre (indoor courts) for an action-packed day of fun and sport!

Coaching and Development

Tennis NZ is proud to work alongside regional partners and coaches to grow wheelchair tennis pathways. Whether you’re new to coaching or want to develop inclusive sessions, we can help connect you to training, mentoring, and resources.

Contact Tegan

How It All Began

The Story of Wheelchair Tennis in Aotearoa

Wheelchair Tennis began in the winter of 1979 when we all got together at the tennis courts in Hagley Park, Christchurch.

Ross Burgess, who had played it in Australia, and Graham Dorner, a coach who had trialed it in the UK, rounded up the Parafed members to get on court – and suddenly we were all hooked.

The first meeting was held at Ross’ place to form the first committee: Graham, Wayne Fleming, Sue Quirk, Phil Humphries and Shirley Smith.

Ross was voted president and Shirley became our secretary, co-ordinator of tournaments and players, manager, motivator, fundraiser and organiser. She was irreplaceable over the next five years.

Over the next few years, we employed other workers: Arron Joy, Joy McManaway, Linda Wood and Amanda Hill. Sue Quirk was invaluable also as an organiser and player.

Some of the highlights from those first 20 years when wheelchair tennis was hosted by Christchurch were Saturdays and Sundays at Ouruhia Domain playing in the sun and cold having lots of laughs and fun. There was barbecues and birds chirping. We had great comradeship and competitiveness.

Shirley organised a huge trip for 11 of us to the 10th Japan Open.

The first New Zealand Open was held in January 1990 and we never looked back. It just got bigger and bigger. Christchurch was on the South Pacific Tour starting in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and then Christchurch. Then it got serious – with ranking points driving us forward. The International Tennis Federation persuaded us to upgrade the tournament ranking and prize money.

This was the committee’s most pressing pastime – putting in funding applications and waiting anxiously for replies, but we always made it with the dedication of our workers.

The next project was sending players to the Paralympics.

New Zealand was a regular participant in World Team Cups (WTC) under coach Chris Anderson. This travel gave players exposure and experience, and valuable ranking points playing in two tournaments before the WTC. In 2004 the WTC was held in Christchurch. This was organised with the expertise of Canterbury Tennis, bidding, financing, administering and running the event. It was definitely up there with the best team events ever.

New Zealand was a very regular participant in World Team Cups as playing in the two tournaments prior to these events gave our players exposure and experience against the overseas cousins and valuable ranking points for us poor cousins.

Tournaments with international ranking points were run from Christchurch twice a year, Auckland (ITF Futures ranking) and Hamilton (ITF 3).

After 20 years of NZWT being run from Christchurch under Ross Burgess (president for five years) and Marilyn Stratford (15 years), it was time for a new committee to hand over the reins to Tiffiney Perry from Hamilton where it has had its office since 2009.