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.
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.
Begin Your Journey Here
Tennis NZ supports the development of wheelchair tennis across all stages — from first involvement through to national and international competition.
We work closely with coaches and regional partners to build strong, inclusive environments by:
- Supporting quality and inclusive coaching practice
- Developing clear participation and competitive pathways
- Providing education, mentoring, and practical resources
If you’re a coach, player, or club looking to grow wheelchair tennis in your area, we’d love to connect and support your next steps.
As part of our work to strengthen the wheelchair tennis pathway, Tennis NZ has been trialling Have‑a‑Go sessions across the North Island, including Auckland, Hamilton, and Papamoa.
These free sessions are designed to offer an easy starting point for anyone new to wheelchair tennis, as well as for those returning to the sport. They bring people together for an enjoyable day alongside whānau, combining supported coaching, opportunities to connect, and plenty of time on court. A typical session includes coaching in the morning, shared lunch, and an afternoon of social match play and round‑robin games.
All equipment and spare chairs are provided.
Upcoming sessions
Keep an eye out for what's happening in your area soon!
How It All Began
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.
FAQ's
Wheelchair tennis is open to people with a permanent physical disability affecting the lower limbs. You don’t need to have played tennis before to get started.
There are also many ways to be involved beyond playing, including coaching, officiating, volunteering, or supporting programmes and events.
No. Many programmes and activations have equipment available to help people try the sport for the first time. Tennis NZ and regional partners can help connect you with the right opportunities and equipment support.
No classification is required to try wheelchair tennis or take part in community and club‑based sessions.
Classification is only needed for players who wish to compete in sanctioned national or international competitions.
Yes. Wheelchair tennis is played at many levels across Aotearoa – from introductory and social sessions through to competitive pathways. You can choose how and where you’d like to be involved.
Yes. Tennis NZ works with clubs, coaches, and regional associations to support inclusive programme delivery. Coaching education, resources, and guidance are available to help create welcoming wheelchair tennis opportunities.
Whether you want to play, support someone else, coach, volunteer, or learn more, Tennis NZ can help connect you with opportunities in your area.
Our Partners
