Tennis Masters at Uni

THE world’s best wheelchair tennis players will descend on Loughborough University at the end of November after the university’s indoor tennis centre was selected by the Tennis Foundation to host the prestigious 2017 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters.

The event is the International Tennis Federation’s official year-end wheelchair tennis championship on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, and will take place from November 29 to December 3.

The elite field in Loughborough will feature the top eight men, top eight women and top six quad players in the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis World Rankings.

Based on current rankings, British Paralympic medallists Gordon Reid, Alfie Hewett, Lucy Shuker and Andy Lapthorne would all be in line to take part.

The tournament moves to Loughborough after three years at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Joanna Farquharson, Deputy Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “We are really excited to be able to bring the event to Loughborough. We’d encourage everyone to come along and witness the world’s best wheelchair tennis players showcasing their outstanding abilities.”

Loughborough University’s Tennis Programme Director Helen Reesby added: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2017 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters for the first time here at Loughborough University.

“This is an inspirational and prestigious event and we are looking forward to welcoming the best players in the world, and their coaching teams, onto campus.”