Brad Parks didn't set out to change tennis, he simply wanted to keep playing. That determination sparked the creation of wheelchair tennis, opening the door for generations of athletes and forever changing the game.
As we celebrate 50 years of wheelchair tennis, we're celebrating the power of adapted tennis to make our sport more welcoming, more accessible, and stronger for everyone. 🎾
Read more: bit.ly/44hUFLf
ALT Text: Brad Parks, the pioneer of wheelchair tennis
ALT Text: After a skiing accident left him paralyzed at 18, Brad Parks wasn't trying to invent a new sport, he simply wanted to play tennis with his friends again. Fifty years later, that idea has become wheelchair tennis, creating opportunities for players around the world and changing the game forever.
ALT Text: "I just thought it’d be great to have a sport where I could play against an able-bodied friend, and I just thought tennis sounded great. When I first started playing, I never thought of using two bounces or playing in a sporty-type wheelchair or a lightweight wheelchair..." — Brad Parks
ALT Text: What started with one player and one idea has grown into a global sport played at Grand Slams, the Paralympic Games, and in communities around the world.
If you could only play on ONE surface for the rest of your life, what are you choosing?
Like if you're team hard court. 💙
Repost if you're team clay court. 🔁
For the founders of @blackxtheblock , tennis was never just about what happened on the court. It was about the relationships, community, and sense of connection they found through the game.
Those experiences helped shape the way they bring people together today, creating spaces where culture, community, and belonging can thrive. 🎾🖤
The opportunity of a lifetime! 🤩
Hear from the American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs champions about what it means to them to earn a wild card spot in the US Open Main Draw.
Celebrating freedom, community, and heritage. This Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing journey toward true equity and inclusion on and off the court.
Ava Esposito & DJ Bennett (@AuburnWTennis) and Brandon Carpico & Nikita Filin (@OhioStateMTEN) are your 2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs doubles champions!
This win grants these duos a wild card spot in the 2026 US Open Main Draw! 👏
ALT 2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs
Women's Doubles Champions
ALT 2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs
Men's Doubles Champions
Sebastian Gorzny (@TexasMTN) and Reese Brantmeier (@UNC_wtennis) are your 2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoff singles champions!
This win grants them a wild card spot in the 2026 US Open Main Draw! 👏
ALT Sebastian Gorzny
2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoff
Men's Singles Champion
ALT Reese Brantmeier
2026 American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoff
Women's Singles Champion