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The Rise of Older Athletes in Wheelchair Tennis

The Rise of Older Athletes in Wheelchair Tennis
In the dynamic world of tennis, a fascinating trend has emerged: older athletes are excelling, particularly in the niche of wheelchair tennis. While the spotlight often shines on young prodigies in able-bodied tennis, the true stalwarts of the sport are thriving in wheelchair tennis, which has been an integral part of every Grand Slam since 2007.

Wheelchair tennis is played on the same tennis court dimensions as its able-bodied counterpart, with the key distinction being the allowance of two bounces. The sport is categorized into two classes: open and quad. The open class is for athletes with permanent leg impairments but full arm function, whereas the quad class includes those with additional limitations in their playing arm.

Why Do Wheelchair Tennis Players Tend to Be Older?

The average age of elite wheelchair tennis players is significantly higher than that of their able-bodied peers. Lucy Shuker, a four-time Paralympian from the U.K., explains that many wheelchair tennis athletes discover the sport later in life, often due to injury. Shuker herself took up the sport following a motorcycle accident at the age of 21.

Sarah Hunter, a retired Canadian Paralympian, shares a similar story. After an ice hockey injury, she transitioned to tennis, enjoying a 17-year career that began in her mid-30s. Hunter observes that while spinal cord injuries were once more common, congenital conditions are now more prevalent among top athletes, leading to earlier involvement in the sport.

The Evolving Landscape of Wheelchair Tennis

The demands and intensity of wheelchair tennis are evolving, potentially leading to earlier retirements. Hunter notes that the sport’s increasing intensity could prompt players to retire sooner due to the physical demands and the expanding tournament schedule.

Dylan Alcott, a prominent figure in the quad division, plans to retire at 31, despite the average age of top quad players being nearly six years older. His decision underscores the shifting dynamics and expectations within the sport.

Drawing in Younger Talent

As wheelchair tennis gains traction and media attention, it is attracting younger athletes who are physically robust and eager to compete. The sport’s rising profile, enhanced by prize money and prestigious events like the Paralympic Games, is enticing new talent.

Despite this influx of younger players, the participation of older athletes in wheelchair tennis is expected to persist. As Shuker points out, many individuals are introduced to the sport later in life due to accidents or other circumstances, ensuring that seasoned competitors remain a vital part of wheelchair tennis.