UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour unveils new look for 2026 and beyond
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2026 will welcome a new calendar structure for professional wheelchair tennis players - offering more opportunities to compete alongside their non-wheelchair peers at some of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments.
From 2026, the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour will play host to a significant number of new wheelchair events at existing ATP and WTA tournaments.
The new and enhanced calendar will bring more integrated, professional opportunities for wheelchair tennis players, higher standards at tournaments and elevated prize money at wheelchair tennis events. The development also sets out to enhance the visibility and recognition of wheelchair tennis players across the globe.
The changes come as part of the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) ambitions to enhance the extended wheelchair tennis competition and progression pathway following the exponential growth of wheelchair tennis over the last 50 years.
As of 2026, tournaments on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour will be split into three levels:
Premier Tour:
The Premier Tour will be the highest level of wheelchair tennis events with enhanced prize money, standards and an increased range of on-event activity designed to bring more attention to wheelchair tennis and increase the visibiltiy of professional players outside of matches.
Not only will these events allow you to watch the world’s best wheelchair tennis players in action, but they will also include sessions where you can try wheelchair tennis for yourself and watch exhibition matches with wheelchair and non-wheelchair players.
The provisional Premier Tier tournament grades include:
- Grand Slams/Masters
- 1000
- 500
- 250
International Tier:
The International Tier is designed for aspiring professional wheelchair tennis players and will provide clear progression opportunities to help prepare players for the Premier Tier events.
The provisional International Tier tournament grades include:
- 175
- 100
- 50
Development Tier:
Designed to be both affordable and accessible to new and developing players, the Development Tier has more relaxed entry requirements and will set out to encourage new players to join the sport.
The provisional Development Tier tournament grades include:
- 25
Speaking of the changes and impact the new calendar will have on the visibility of wheelchair tennis, world No.2 and 23-time Grand Slam champion Alfie Hewett said, "Now is the time to take the chance to grow our sport even further and make integrated events the norm rather than the exception.
"This new tour structure for next year is a great opportunity for players to take their careers to the next level, and I am thankful to the ITF for making it happen."
