More professional wheelchair tennis matches will be held next year at the ATP and WTA Championships next year after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved the new calendar structure.
Although specific events have not been confirmed, the ITF said it will hold “a large number of new events” in the ATP and WTA Championships to create a calendar that includes “high standards” and “improving bonuses.”
In addition to six ATP and WTA games, the four Grand Slams currently hold wheelchair and non-wheelchair competitions.
Britain’s Alfie Hewett is a 33-time Grand Slam champion in singles and doubles – he said the expansion is “a player can take his career to the next level”.
He was defeated by Tokito Oda in the Wimbledon wheelchair singles final, and he was defeated, adding: “It’s time to take this opportunity to further develop our sport and make comprehensive events the norm, not the exception.”
ITF President David Haggerty said the governing bodies are “based on the success of a few existing integrated activities to create more effective tours in enhancing professional and aspiring players’ careers.”
Starting in 2026, the Wheelchair Tennis Tour will be divided into three levels: Prime Minister, International and Development.
The Prime Minister is at the highest level and will divide the competition into Grand Slam or Masters, or 1000, 500 and 250 based on ATP and WTA events.
