Wheelchair Tennis Showcased at the Barclays ATP World Tour
5th November 2012Members of the London 2012 Paralympics GB wheelchair tennis team gave fans at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals some extra entertainment today as they showcased their sport at The O2.
Gordon Reid joined teammate Marc McCarroll on the practice courts in the Fan Zone to show off the skills that earned them a place to compete at the Paralympic Games back in September.
After watching Andy Murray win his opening match against Tomas Berdych, fans were treated to some impressive shots and tricks from Reid and McCarroll before Reid got the better of McCarroll 6-2 in a mini match.
The pair then teamed up to play their coaches Stuart Wilkinson and Karen Ross in an integrated match which saw the wheelchair tennis players come out on top.
“It was brilliant to meet so many tennis fans today and I hope they got a taste of how wheelchair tennis can be just as exciting as the game being played this week by Andy Murray and company,” said McCarroll.
“The crowd was amazing here today at The O2. I’d encourage all of them to come to one of the seven wheelchair tennis tournaments that will be played across the UK in 2013,” added Reid, who reached the quarter-finals of the men’s singles and doubles at Eton Manor.
Reid now joins British No.1 Lucy Shuker in heading straight to Mechelen, Belgium to compete in wheelchair tennis’ version of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
For the first time in the event’s history, players on the Tennis Foundation’s Performance Programme have qualified for each of the men’s, women’s and quad events.
“It’s a really exciting time for wheelchair tennis in this country and we want to continue the momentum to get more people playing and watching the sport,” said the Tennis Foundation’s Head of Player Performance, Geraint Richards.
“Our road to Rio 2016 has already begun and I’m confident we’ll see more British success in 2013 as well as at the upcoming Singles and Doubles Masters.”