Britain’s Wimbledon champions Gordon Reid, Alfie Hewett and Jordanne Whiley are among 25 world top 10 ranked players aiming to boost their Rio 2016 Paralympic aspirations when the 27th British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships takes place at Nottingham Tennis Centre from 26 – 31 July.
Organised by the Tennis Foundation, the British Open is also the last Super Series event before the Rio 2016 Paralympics and therefore the tournament likely to have the most influence on the seeding for the medal events at Rio between now and the Games.
Reid, will aim for a unique double in Nottingham this year after winning the inaugural men’s singles event at Wimbledon just two weeks ago, watched by a peak TV audience of more than 1 million people.
“I’ve had an amazing few weeks and I’m looking forward to playing here in Nottingham and competing for my first British Open singles title. It’s always a great event and hopefully with the popularity of our sport on the rise we will get lots of people coming along to watch and cheer us on. It’s a quality field and it will be tough but I’m looking forward to getting back on court and competing,” he said.
Reid has risen in the world rankings to a career best No.2 since his Wimbledon triumph and he and reigning champion and world No.1 Stephane Houdet of France top the seeding for the British Open this year, along with reigning NEC Masters champion and 2013 British Open men’s champion Joachim Gerard of Belgium.
The British Open is one of six events to have Super Series status, the highest tier of tournament on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour outside of the Grand Slams.
Tickets are just £5 with a free come and try session for all the family on Saturday 30thth July. Get your tickets here: www.britishopenwtc.org.uk.
Photo courtesy of the Tennis Foundation