The U.S. Open Welcomes Back Wheelchair Tennis
The U.S. Open is set to welcome back wheelchair tennis for its upcoming tournament, scheduled from September 2 to September 6 at the prestigious USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This year’s event marks a special occasion, celebrating the two-decade milestone of wheelchair tennis being part of the U.S. Open, after a brief hiatus last year to accommodate the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Strong Participation and Notable Competitors
Announced on Friday by the U.S. Tennis Association, the entry lists reveal strong participation, with a total of six American players joining the competition. Leading the way is the Netherlands, boasting the largest contingent of nine players.
Among the competitors, Alfie Hewett from Great Britain aims to secure his third consecutive U.S. Open title in the men’s category, facing tough competition from world No. 1 Tokito Oda, a Wimbledon champion who aspires to achieve a historic Golden Slam, capturing victories in all four Grand Slam tournaments as well as the Paralympic Games.
Women’s Division and Historical Context
In the women’s division, Diede de Groot, also hailing from the Netherlands, has the opportunity to break records with her potential seventh straight singles title, which would place her ahead of the legendary Esther Vergeer, who retired in 2013.
The U.S. Open wheelchair championships have evolved significantly over the years, notably introducing a quad division in 2007 and a junior wheelchair division for both genders in 2022, making it a pioneering platform within the four Grand Slam events.
