Britain’s Matt Grover defends Para-standing World Championship title

Para-standing tennis is the format for people with physical impairments who want to play tennis without using a wheelchair. This includes, but is not limited to, people with limb loss, limb deficiencies, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries or people of short stature.

Para-standing tennis integrates very easily with the non-disabled game since it can be played on any regular tennis court, with no modifications to tennis rackets or balls.

The IPSTA World Championships serve as the sport’s flagship global event, providing athletes with an opportunity to compete at the highest level while fostering international collaboration and visibility for Para-standing tennis.

The 2026 edition continued IPSTA’s mission to grow participation, improve competitive pathways, and increase recognition for athletes with physical disabilities who play tennis without a wheelchair.

Once again, Grover was in a class of his own as he backed up his win at last year’s World Championships in Barcelona with an impressive victory in Turin.

Grover beat Brazil’s Aurio Fortunato in the PST2 final and he was excited to see the huge steps forward in the sport in a tournament that delivered some high-quality tennis.

“The Para-standing World Championships in Turin were an amazing experience,” said Grover, who is the LTA’s Wheelchair Tennis Pathway Manager.

“The standard across the board was incredibly high and it’s amazing to see how much the game continues to grow internationally.

“The event overall was fantastic. This was the first year that we had nearly 100 competitors across the four sports classes, with men’s, women’s and a designated junior draw for the first time. It’s nice to see some new players coming through.”

Grover also reflected on his own success, as he admitted he felt the pressure as the favourite to retain the title.

“For me, coming in as the defending world champion, No.1 seed and the current world No.1 in the PST2 class, there was definitely some more pressure,” he stated.

“I had a target on my back as I was the player everyone wanted to beat. I was aware of that, but I channelled it positively.

“Throughout the whole tournament, I was really pleased with my level. There were some tough matches, both physically and mentally. We were playing in 37 and 38 degrees, and the heat rule came in to help with.

“To go back-to-back winning the World Championships is something very special. To be a two-time singles world champion is something I’m really proud of and I want to strive forward and improve my game to go for a ‘three-peat’ next year.”

Britain’s Ross Cudmore and Georgia Routledge were among the British athletes who served up impressive performances in Turin, with the exciting growth of Para-standing tennis bolstered by the success of the 2026 World Championships.

Inclusion of disabled people within our sport sits at the heart of the LTA’s vision of Tennis Opened Up.

The LTA supports performance pathways for wheelchair, learning disability, deaf and visually impaired tennis, as well as providing support for Para-standing tennis – giving more players the chance to represent Great Britain on the international stage.

The LTA also stages a year-round calendar of domestic disability tennis competitions for wheelchair, learning disability, visually impaired, deaf and Para-standing tennis players, so that everyone has the opportunity to compete.