New Delhi: As the Paris Paralympics 2024 approaches, Google is creatively celebrating the event by featuring daily cartoon doodles. Today’s Google Doodle showcases two animated birds playing wheelchair tennis against the backdrop of what appears to be Paris’s famous gardens, such as Jardin du Palais Royal or Jardin des Tuileries. This playful and artistic representation is Google’s way of honouring the spirit of the Paralympics.
Wheelchair Tennis at Paris Paralympics 2024
Wheelchair tennis will be a key feature at the Paris Paralympics 2024, which are set to take place from August 30 to September 7 at the renowned Roland Garros stadium, known for its iconic clay courts. The competition will include singles and doubles matches across three categories: men’s, women’s, and quads. These matches will see some of the world’s best wheelchair tennis athletes compete for glory.
Each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) is allowed a specific number of entries, with a maximum of 11 qualification slots per NPC. This can include up to four male and four female athletes for singles, three for quad singles, two teams each for men’s and women’s doubles, and one team for quad doubles. All participating athletes must be ranked on the Wheelchair Tennis Singles World Ranking List and have participated in a World Team Cup event at least twice between 2021 and 2024, including once in 2023 or 2024.
The Evolution and Popularity of Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair tennis has grown significantly in popularity since it was first introduced. The sport was pioneered by Brad Parks, a skier who became paralyzed after a skiing accident in 1976. Parks began experimenting with playing tennis in a wheelchair, and from there, wheelchair tennis evolved. Unlike many other adaptive sports, wheelchair tennis closely resembles its traditional counterpart. The same courts, rackets, and tennis balls are used, and the main difference is that wheelchair tennis players are allowed two bounces of the ball, whereas able-bodied players are allowed only one.
A Staple in Major Tennis Tournaments
Since making its Paralympic debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992, wheelchair tennis has become a regular part of major adaptive sports events. The sport’s inclusion in the four Grand Slam tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—since 2007 has further increased its visibility and popularity. Today, wheelchair tennis matches are played alongside traditional tennis matches, showcasing the skills and athleticism of these incredible athletes.
As the Paris Paralympics draw near, the excitement around wheelchair tennis continues to build, not just among fans but also within the broader sports community. Google’s doodle is a testament to the sport’s growing influence and its special place in the Paralympic Games.
