Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair Player Pathway
Wheelchair tennis has a competitive pathway designed for athletes with disabilities who aspire to reach their full potential. Qualifying high performance players of all ages have the opportunity to learn from the country’s best coaches, get top quality performance services, and receive grants to support their training and competition needs. Refer to “USA Tennis Support” for a list of services provided based on individualized needs.
The initial point of contact for many athletes is through USTA All-Comers camps, which are an inclusive entry point into wheelchair tennis for all ages and levels. From there, standout performers are identified for Player ID camps, a critical step that may lead to an invitation to join USA Tennis. Within USA Tennis, support is merit-based, with athletes qualifying through their performance, skill, and character, and the specific level of assistance determined by an athlete’s placement within their age group.
- USTA All-Comers Camps
- Player ID Camps
- Junior
- Collegiate
- Early Pro
- Pro
USTA All-Comers Camps
Ages 12 & Older
Ages 12 & Older
Overview
USTA All-Comers Camps are the first stage of the wheelchair tennis pathway, and a true introduction to the sport. At these camps, basic instruction on technical, tactical, and mobility concepts will be the priority. USA Tennis sees these camps as an essential ingredient to a young athlete's positive, first experience in tennis.
Player ID Camps
Invite Only
Invite Only
Overview
Player ID Camps for high performance wheelchair tennis is an "invite-only" system of camps designed to help identify and develop the next generation of promising junior players. Bringing together selected players for a professionally structured camp experience will serve as a young player's introduction into a "professionalized" framework of training.
Junior
Invite Only
Invite Only
Overview
The Junior segment of the pathway is designed for the serious tournament competitor who aspires to be a professional wheelchair tennis player. Within this space, selected athletes are invited to training blocks in Orlando to be exposed to an athlete's "professional" lifestyle and training regimen. These athletes also begin their tournament competition journey in both USTA and ITF Junior wheel chair events at this stage. The opportunities to represent USA Tennis in international competition begin here.
Collegiate
Invite Only
Invite Only
Overview
The collegiate wheelchair ecosystem is an integral component of the high performance pathway. College programs provide a competitive environment and support structure for athletes continuing to compete while also furthering their education. USA Tennis supplements players’ college programs, predominantly in the off season to maintain their developmental momentum.
Early Pro
Invite Only
Invite Only
Overview
The Early Pro phase is a critical stage of development toward a career as a touring wheelchair tennis professional. To help players make the next step to the top of the rankings, USA Tennis provides coaching, performance services, and funding to qualified players. USA Tennis works closely with athletes to assess their needs, align on goals, and execute a tailored development plan to optimize their training.
Pro
Invite Only
Invite Only
Overview
The Pro phase is for players at the peak of international wheelchair tennis. Qualifying athletes receive access to the best of USA Tennis’ resources tailored to their needs and plan. In addition to access to facilities, players receive training opportunities both at the USA Tennis facility but also on the road. They also are receive performance services like strength & conditioning, mental performance coaching, data analytics and video analysis, etc.
Wheelchair Tennis Grants
The USTA Player Development High Performance Wheelchair Tennis Department (HPWC) invests a great deal of its resources into assisting the development of promising, age-restricted, wheelchair tennis players. The HPWC staff awards grants to players it feels are deserving based on performance (ITF Ranking) and/or potential.
The Player Development staff encourages players to utilize all of the facilities and services that the USTA has to offer, including, but not limited to, working with our HPWC National Coaching Staff and utilizing the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla., when invited for a training block or training camp.
The goal of the USTA Player Development staff is to assist, through this funding and other resources, in the development of as many young and talented players as possible.
Quarterly Grant Categories
- National Team
- Competitive Pathway
- National U25 Team
- Collegiate National Team
Other Grants
- Grand Slam Grants
- Collegiate Program Grants
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