Learning disability tennis star Dominic Iannotti sets sights on silverware at 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships
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Former II-1 men’s world No.1, Dominic Iannotti, will take his place among the seven stars forming the British line-up at the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships, which has become a permanent fixture on the international calendar.
From the 7-15 September, the town of Annecy in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France will host the world’s best tennis players with an intellectual impairment as they contest for medals on the global stage.
Iannotti, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, has achieved nothing less than an inspired career to date. With his next challenge a matter of weeks away, his quest for silverware is by no means over.
The Prestwick-born talent realised his strong affinity with the game from young age; little did he know then he’d eventually realise international acclaim. Soon to celebrate his 27th birthday, he has secured success as a core member of the LTA’s GB Learning Disability (LD) team, having cemented and retained world No.1 status for three consecutive years.
“What drew me into tennis was the opportunities given to play and compete both locally and internationally,” said Iannotti. “Being part of the LTA Learning Disability tennis pathway has helped me become the person I am today.
“I’m very fortunate as tennis has provided me the chance to travel the world as well as represent my country, which is always a huge honour.”
The 2019 INAS Global Games was a particular milestone imprinted on the Briton’s mind as he recalled his career standouts, having impressively seized four medals - including two golds - across the II-1 men’s singles and men’s doubles, the men’s team event and mixed doubles in Australia.
“If I look back at the 2019 season, I’d say it was my best year of tennis, not just because of the results but because I also saw great improvement in my game through playing plenty of matches.
“Since then, I believe I’ve developed a lot as a player and as a person both on and off court. I’m now able to support the younger players in the team and as we approach the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships I hope to do the same.”
The former four-time gold medal winner ‘s selection for the squad wasn’t his only defining moment of the 2024 season, however, after learning of his invitation to compete on the manicured lawns of the London-based Queen’s Club.
Iannotti starred in a top-tiered line-up of British and International players during the ATP’s annual visit to West Kensington for the cinch Championships, where exhibitions were held to showcase the games’ various formats.
With the support of home crowds at the height of summer, the world No.4 and five other leading LD tennis stars, including Australia’s Archie Graham and Mitchell James, experienced the low, fast-paced nature of the grass, competing on the very courts where so many greats have played before.
“I think it’s something we have needed in the UK,” said the GB national. “I am glad we were able to play on the same courts as the professional players; it was also a great opportunity to showcase the world’s best learning disability tennis players.
“Hopefully there will be more opportunities to feature at other British-based major events in the future.”
Iannotti has become central to Great Britain’s success over recent years, and with only a week to go until the seventh edition of the Virtus World Championships, the Briton will dare to fly high in his tilt for gold.
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