Adaptive Tennis  Showcase at the 2019 Western & Southern Open

Midwest Adaptive Tennis took the stage at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio in August. Adaptive Standing and Adaptive players took to the courts to showcase the Tennis for All concept.  

Adaptive Standing Tennis made its match debut at this year’s event in a fully umpired exhibition match, complete with ball runners. Adaptive Standing Tennis is for individuals with physical disabilities, such as hemiplegia, amputations, or limb differences, who play standing/ambulatory. The match featured two of the country’s best Standing Adaptive players: Carl Mower from Carmel, IN and Danny Scrivano from Shelby Twp., MI.  Though the weather threatened with the only rainstorm of the week about an hour prior to match time, grounds crew were able to quickly restore the court to a playable condition.  

Mower demonstrated his consistency, accuracy and experience, while Scrivano wowed with his one handed serve and solid net play.  Mower won the match, but both players demonstrated how they are leading the way for Adaptive Standing Tennis in the Midwest and across the country. After the singles match, Mower and Scrivano teamed up with Greg Boyd from the USTA/Midwest Section and Brian Dean from Tipp City, OH to play mixed doubles.

On the final day of the Western & Southern Open, there were three Adaptive Tennis showcases on five courts. Beginning with the Adaptive Standing clinic, Scrivano and Mower were joined by Troy Lawrence from Muncie, IN and Thalita Rodriguez from Brazil and a Division 1 player from Toledo University in Ohio to showcase their doubles game.  Fun games, drills and coaching were offered by Suzie Booker of Carmel, IN.  

In addition to the Adaptive Standing clinic, Special Olympics-Ohio (SO-Ohio) brought 11 adaptive players with cognitive/developmental disabilities and four coaches from three different programs from around Ohio. SO-Ohio put on a practice for the players, which included warmups, drills, and games.

Last, Buddy Up Tennis successfully debuted Net Generation's Team Challenge on three courts with over 40 athletes, 16 Buddies, and eight coaches. Beth Gibson, founder of Buddy Up Tennis, which serves players with Down syndrome, continues to grow the game and opportunity for her players. 

Fans came out in support and were thoroughly entertained. The Adaptive Tennis presence at the Western & Southern Open brought great awareness, education, and inclusivity.  A big thanks  goes out to USTA Midwest Adaptive Tennis Committee chairperson, Jaime Oppenlander, and USTA Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation for organizing, supporting and facilitating such a important programs.

To learn more about wheelchair and adaptive tennis, click here.