Wheelchair Tennis Joins the Draw

This year, the Miami Open hosts its first officially sanctioned wheelchair tournament.

In January 1976, Brad Parks’ life changed forever. The promising 18-year-old freestyle skier over-rotated on a backflip and suffered a spinal cord injury, leaving him paraplegic for the rest of his life. While in recovery, Parks’ thoughts were occupied over what sports he would be able to play on wheels. Tennis, built on strategy and precision, proved adaptable. Thanks to Parks’ efforts, the world’s first wheelchair tennis tournament was held a year later in May of 1977.

The sport exploded in popularity, going international in 1983 and earning a spot at the Paralympics by 1992. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Miami Open presented by Itaú is proud to host its first officially sanctioned wheelchair tennis tournament from Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27 on Butch Buchholz Court, Court 5 and Court 1, with ADA seating available.

While wheelchair tennis has been at the Miami Open since 2024, 2026 marks the first year that players are competing for official ranking and points.

The expanded 2026 field features eight men, eight women, and doubles competition, bringing both elite talent and compelling storylines to the courts. Returning are familiar champions and fan favorites, including 2025 Miami Open Wheelchair Tennis Doubles Champion, Gordon Reid (World No. 5), 2025 Miami Open Wheelchair Tennis Singles Champion, Aniek van Koot (World No. 3), Angelica Bernal (World No. 6) and Alfie Hewett (World No. 2).

Adding to the excitement is Tokito Oda, the 19-year-old World No. 1 and the youngest player ever to win a Wheelchair Tennis Grand Slam. Oda recently captured a Golden Slam at the Australian Open, further championing the global reach of the sport.

What often surprises first time viewers is how familiar wheelchair tennis feels. The balls, racquets and courts are all the same. The main difference is the two-bounce rule, meaning the ball can bounce twice before being hit as opposed to once.

In addition to being one of the world’s most popular sports, tennis has also become one of the most inclusive, serving as proof that elite competition and accessibility are not mutually exclusive. The Miami Open is honored to host an officially sanctioned tournament this year as part of its commitment to visibility, opportunity, and excellence across the sport.

The tournament schedule and player field are available here. To purchase a grounds pass for access to the Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, visit miamiopen.com/tickets/grounds-pass/.