The rules of wheelchair tennis

When you think of wheelchair tennis in the Netherlands, Esther Vergeer and Diede de Groot come to mind. Vergeer has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including being a seven-time Paralympic wheelchair tennis champion. She also won the Dutch wheelchair tennis championship six times and topped the women's wheelchair tennis world rankings for an impressive 668 weeks. Diede de Groot has also become a true legend in the sport in recent years, so we can safely say that Dutch tennis players have played a significant role in its development. Reason enough for Sjeng Sports to explain the basic rules of wheelchair tennis for you! 

What is wheelchair tennis? 

With Esther Vergeer and Diede de Groot, the Netherlands has produced two absolute giants of wheelchair tennis. But what exactly is wheelchair tennis? Wheelchair tennis is a challenging variation of regular tennis, designed for athletes with physical disabilities. The sport combines the dynamics and strategy of tennis with unique adaptations to make it accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchair tennis largely follows the rules of regular tennis, but there are important differences to consider. 

The sport is played on the same courts as traditional tennis, with the same equipment and the same formats. The main difference is that players use wheelchairs and move around the court in them. Vergeer and De Groot have contributed to the growth and recognition of the sport through their exceptional performances and numerous titles. Below, we outline the basic rules of wheelchair tennis. 

The two-times-bounce rule 

The most striking rule in wheelchair tennis is the fact that the ball is allowed to bounce twice. While in regular tennis the ball is only allowed to bounce once, in wheelchair tennis the ball is allowed to bounce twice before it must be returned. This gives the player more time to move to the ball. Importantly, the second bounce does not necessarily have to be within the court lines. 

The wheelchair as part of the body 

In wheelchair tennis, the wheelchair is considered an extension of the player's body. This means the ball may hit the wheelchair, just as it may hit the player's body in regular tennis. The wheelchair itself must meet certain specifications, such as having two large rear wheels and at least one small front wheel. 

Serve 

The serving rules in wheelchair tennis are virtually identical to those in regular tennis. The serving player must remain behind the service line until the ball is struck. Serving may be done either underhand or overhand, depending on the player's preference. 

Moving with the wheelchair 

A crucial skill in wheelchair tennis is maneuvering effectively. Players must remain in constant motion and frequently make twisting movements to position themselves for a shot. The technique and strength required to move quickly and accurately are considerable, making wheelchair tennis physically demanding for players. 

Other rules 

Other rules, such as scoring and other rules, are the same as in regular tennis. This preserves the essence of the game while still making it accessible for wheelchair users. 

The growth of wheelchair tennis 

Wheelchair tennis continues to grow worldwide, with an ever-increasing number of players and tournaments. It offers a unique way for people with physical disabilities to stay active and participate in competitive sports. At Sjeng Sports, we understand the passion for tennis, whether it's regular tennis or wheelchair tennis. That's why we offer a wide range of high-quality sportswear ! Feel free to browse our online store for both men and women and see if there's something for you!