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USTA Atlanta Celebrates 50 Years of Wheelchair Tennis with Inaugural USTA Atlanta Wheelchair Classic
For 50 years, wheelchair tennis has transformed lives by empowering athletes, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for players of all abilities. As the sport celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary in 2026, organizations across the country are honoring its remarkable legacy while continuing to expand access and opportunity for future generations. USTA Atlanta proudly joined that celebration by creating new competitive pathways and meaningful experiences for wheelchair athletes through its inaugural USTA Atlanta Wheelchair Classic.
Held May 16–17, 2026, at The Falls of Autry Mill in Johns Creek, the USTA Atlanta Wheelchair Classic marked an important milestone as USTA Atlanta’s first sanctioned Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. As a Level 4 event featuring both adult and junior players, the tournament welcomed athletes for a weekend that blended high-level competition with community connection. The event offered much more than matches on the court. Throughout the weekend, players enjoyed meals together, and Saturday evening featured a special dinner accompanied by wheelchair pickleball open play.
The timing of the event carried additional significance, as May is recognized nationally as National Tennis Month. Hosting its first sanctioned wheelchair tennis tournament during this celebration reflected USTA Atlanta’s broader mission of creating inclusive opportunities and ensuring tennis remains a sport for everyone.
“It is our goal as an organization to offer tennis programming for all,” USTA Atlanta shared as part of its National Tennis Month initiatives.
For Amy O’Connell, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta, the tournament’s connection to wheelchair tennis history made the experience even more impactful. “We set out to create a competitive opportunity for wheelchair athletes, and discovering it aligned with the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis made it even more meaningful. I was amazed by the level of play and sportsmanship from both our adult and junior athletes, and I hope this event becomes a tradition that continues to grow for years to come,” said Amy.
The impact of the tournament extended well beyond the athletes competing on court. A dedicated network of volunteers, supporters, and USTA Atlanta staff members helped create an experience that reflected the spirit of the wheelchair tennis community. From behind-the-scenes logistics to player support throughout the weekend, their collective efforts ensured the event’s success.
A central figure in bringing the event to life was Tournament Director Mark LaRotonda, whose passion for wheelchair tennis and commitment to creating more playing opportunities helped transform the vision into reality. His dedication served as a reminder that community-driven efforts can create opportunities with lasting impact.
As wheelchair tennis enters its next chapter, events like the USTA Atlanta Wheelchair Classic demonstrate how the sport continues to grow not only through competition, but through connection, inclusion, and a shared commitment to expanding access for athletes of all abilities.
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