About

How the game is played

Learn how the sport is played through stories and highlights from players and competitions. Captions are available. For a transcript or audio description, email blindtennis@tennis.com.au.

Playing by sound and feel

Blind and low vision tennis follows the same spirit as the mainstream game, with thoughtful adaptations that keep it fair, competitive and instinctive. Players use audible balls, tactile court lines and bounce rules based on their sport classification: 

  • B1 – Up to 3 bounces (blindfold required) 
  • B2 – Up to 3 bounces 
  • B3 – Up to 2 bounces 
  • B4 – 1 bounce 

Everyone plays with the same goal: to read the court, trust their instincts and enjoy the game. Eligibility and classification information live under the Eligibility and Get started tabs.

Coaching and inclusive play

Guided court experience

  • Serve begins with “Ready?” and “Play”.
  • Time is given for orientation.
  • Coaches and umpires use verbal cues.
  • External noise is kept to a minimum.

Adapted by need, not assumption

  • Some players use guides; others rely on audio cues and spatial memory.
  • Drills and games are tailored to player comfort.
  • Success is measured in confidence and connection.

Explore how BLV tennis works

Competitive pathways

Australia leads globally in blind and low vision tennis, offering structured progression and local to international opportunities: 

  • local BLV leagues, competitions and club tournaments
  • state BLV Tennis Championships
  • Australian BLV Tennis Championships
  • International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) competitions. 

Explore opportunities and track players in the Events and Rankings tabs. 

Frequently asked questions

Players use audible balls, verbal cues and tactile court lines. Bounce allowances vary by sight classification – from 1 to 3 bounces. B1 players wear blindfolds to ensure fairness.

  • B1: No functional vision (blindfold required)
  • B2–B4: Varying levels of low vision classification ensures fair play and helps tailor coaching and competition.

Yes – Australia competes at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games and other international events. Players can progress from local programs to the world stage.

Eligibility

How we support players

Tennis is a game of rhythm, space and intuition – and for players who are blind or have low vision, it’s played by sound, feel and connection. This page shares how we support participation at every level, through partnerships, modified equipment and pathways that reflect different ways of seeing and playing the game.

Am I eligible?

There are four sport classes used in blind and low vision tennis:

Sport classEligibility criteriaTennis Australia events
B1Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60.
  • State BLV tennis
  • Tournaments Australian BLV
B2LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive).
  • State BLV tennis
  • Tournaments Australian BLV
B3LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40 (inclusive) or visual fields less than 10 degrees and visual acuity better than 0.5 (B4).
  • State BLV tennis
  • Tournaments Australian BLV
B4LogMAR 0.5 to 0.9 (inclusive) or visual fields less than 40 degrees and visual acuity better than 0.5.
  • State BLV tennis
  • Tournaments Australian BLV

Talent pathway

From local squads to the world stage – discover how BLV tennis camps and comps can lead to international selection.

Partnerships

We’re proud to work with partners who help grow the game for people who are blind or have low vision – shaping policies, programs and opportunities that support participation at every level.

These collaborations ensure tennis is accessible not just as a sport, but as a community experience for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans.

Success stories

Somerton Park Tennis Club

Somerton Park Tennis Club hosts blind tennis sessions for adults and kids who are blind or have low vision. Players use audible balls, modified courts, smaller racquets and relaxed rules to focus on fun and enjoyment.

Explore this coaching feature – a world first that highlights both playing and non-playing pathways in blind and low vision tennis.

Melbourne Park

Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria and Tennis Victoria run Friday night BLV tennis sessions together, with dedicated junior and adult programs. These sessions offer a fun, welcoming space for players who are blind or have low vision to enjoy tennis in a supportive environment.

City Community Tennis (CCT)

Offers award-winning inclusive tennis programs across the Sydney Metropolitan Area. These include a dedicated BLV tennis session on Friday mornings, and a renowned All Abilities Adaptive Hub on Saturday mornings – creating space for players with disability to play, connect and socialise through tennis.

Get started

How to get classified?

Blind and low vision tennis venues are located across Australia. These formats are designed to support players with varying levels of sight and offer inclusive ways to get involved.

A provisional sight classification helps tailor your experience and ensures fair play. You can begin playing while your classification is being processed.

Where to play

To compete in sanctioned events, players must obtain a provisional sight classification. 

Steps:

  1. Download the Classification Guidelines PDF.
  2. Have the Medical Diagnostics Form (MDF) completed in English by a registered ophthalmologist, optometrist or orthoptist.
  3. Attach all medical documentation listed on pages 2–3 of the MDF (must be less than 12 months old).
  4. Email all documents to blindtennis@tennis.com.au.
  5. You’ll receive confirmation of your Sport Class via email.
StateVenueLocationCoachContact
ACTTennis World3 Riggall Pl, Lyneham, ACT 2602Gonzalo Lopez
1 300 836 647
NSWCity Community TennisPrince Alfred Park Tennis Courts, Cleveland Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010Sean Tsai
0433 899 644
NSWVoyagerMetro Sydney, NSWSteve Manley & Lochie Mortensen
NSWGerringong Tennis ClubPacific Ave, Werri Beach NSW 2534Daniel Jones
0413 225 431
NSWBlacktown Tennis CentreSentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens, NSW 2768Elton Stoney(02) 9421 2600
NSWOld Bar Tennis Club29 Old Bar Rd, Old Bar NSW 2430Ellise Perks0411 476 063
NSWTwin Towns Tennis Club16 Capel St, Tuncurry, NSW 2428Ellise Perks0411 476 063
QLDDiscovery Park Tennis ClubDiscovery Drive, Helensvale, QLD 4212Glen Bowe0466 439 660
QLDRedland Bay Tennis Club61 Boundary Street, Redland Bay, QLD 4165Tim Low(07) 3829 1383
QLDMalpass Tennis1 Hilton Street, East Brisbane, QLD 4169Tyrone Smart(07) 3393 0093
QLDSunshine Tennis Club47 Glen Retreat Rd, Mitchelton, QLD 4053Jesse Parker0438 725 376
SAMount Gambier Tennis Club10 Heriot St, Mount Gambier, SA 5290Andrew Vanden Hurkmtgambiertennisclub@gmail.com
SARenmark Tennis ClubParinga St, Renmark, SA 5341Jon Pick0427 385 380
SASomerton Park TC28-40 Wilton Avenue, Somerton Park, SA 5044Nick Bradley0438 801 967
SAHope Valley Tennis ClubLeeds Ave and Valley Rd, Hope Valley, SA 5090Josh Crowecroweyrocks@hotmail.com
VICRoyal Park Tennis Club333 The Avenue Parkville, VIC 3052 info@blindsports.org.au
03 9822 8876
VICKeilor Tennis ClubOld Calder Hwy, Keilor, VIC 3036Stefan Visserinfo@blindsports.org.au
03 9822 8877
VICLalor Tennis Club24 Sydney Cres, Lalor, VIC 3075 info@blindsports.org.au
03 9822 8878
VICEast Malvern Tennis Club15 Moira St. Glen Iris, VIC 3146  
VICWilliamstown Tennis ClubEsplanade &, Morris St, Williamstown, VIC 3016 info@blindsports.org.au
03 9822 8878
VICLe Page Tennis ClubLe Page Park, Herald St, Cheltenham, VICBrad Crosher 
VICTennis WorldOlympic Blvd, Melbourne, VIC 3004 info@blindsports.org.au
WAThe Tennis ProClyde Road, Menora, WA 6050Ian Ketteringham0432 432 097
WASouth Mandurah Tennis Club2 Merlin Street, Halls Head, WA 6210Bellinda Devine0438 285 293
WABunbury Tennis Club1 Rotary Avenue, Bunbury, WA 6230Andrew Woodward0419 913 294

Coaching and support

We’re here to help you get started – whether you're a player, coach or club.

Order equipment

You can order audible tennis balls online from our suppliers across Australia.

Bulk discounts may be available for clubs, coaches and organisations. For current pricing or to place a bulk order, email visionstore@visionaustralia.org.

Need help ordering?

If you're having trouble purchasing tennis balls, we’re here to help.

Events

2025 event calendar

Explore upcoming BLV tennis events across Australia for 2025 – including key dates, venues, entry timelines and contacts to help you get involved.

Start DateFinish DateEvent NameVenueStateTypeSurfaceEntries OpenEntries CloseContact NamePhoneEmail
31/01/202511/04/20252025 SA BLV League (Term 1)The Drive, Memorial DriveSACommunityHardcourtNANAJack Crispin0466 526 618 jack.crispin@tennis.com.au
TBCTBC2025 VIC BLV League (Pilot)National Tennis CentreVICCommunityPlexicushion  Kayla Ryan0439 570 105kayla.ryan@tennis.com.au
12/04/202513/04/20252025 VIC BLV OpenNational Tennis CentreVICSignaturePlexicushion01/03/202502/04/2025Scott Johnston0478 270 908tournamentsvic@tennis.com.au
09/05/202511/05/20252025 QLD BLV OpenQueensland Tennis CentreQLDSignaturePlexicushion28/03/202501/05/2025Jennifer Johnson0466 922 039tournamentsqld@tennis.com.au
TBC (Term2)TBC (Term2)2025 SA BLV League (Term 2)The Drive, Memorial DriveSACommunityHardcourt  Jack Crispin0466 526 618jack.crispin@tennis.com.au
02/06/202502/06/20252025 South Mandurah BLV OpenSouth Mandurah Tennis ClubWACommunityHardcourt30/04/202528/05/2025Bellinda Devine0438 285 293tennis4all.smtc@gmail.com
07/06/202509/06/20252025 NSW BLV OpenTennis World Sydney Olympic ParkNSWSignatureHardcourt26/04/202524/05/2025Allira Smith-Connor0499 564 176nswtournaments@tennis.com.au
11/07/202513/07/20252025 Australian BLV Tennis ChampionshipsNational Tennis CentreVICNationalPlexicushion16/05/202529/06/2025Ben Dew0466 571 776blindtennis@tennis.com.au
TBCTBC2025 Somerton Park BLV OpenSomerton Park Tennis ClubSACommunityHardcourt  Jack Crispin0466 526 618tournamentssa@tennis.com.au
18/10/202519/10/20252025 WA BLV OpenKingsway Indoor StadiumWASignatureIndoor floor  Brad Ladyman0498 572 395bradley.ladyman@tennis.com
TBC (November)TBC (November)2025 CCT Adaptive Club ChampionshipsCity Community TennisNSWCommunityHardcourt  Marita Morgan marita@citycommunitytennis.com.au
05/12/202507/12/20252025 SA BLV OpenThe Drive & Next Gen Memorial DriveSASignaturePlexicushion  Jack Crispin0466 526 618tournamentssa@tennis.com.au

 

Things you need to know

  • Event dates and venues may change. Players who have entered will be notified directly.

  • Some events may include Friday evening matches (B2–B4 only) due to entry numbers and court availability.

  • Entries open eight weeks before each event.

  • Where available, selecting an event name will open its website with details and registration options. 

Resources

For general enquiries, email blindtennis@tennis.com.au.

Rankings

How rankings work

The BLV Australian Ranking is the national system for players with blindness or low vision. It’s calculated on a 12-month rollover, using each player’s top four results.

2025 BLV Australian Ranking Guidelines

Access the guidelines and eligibility criteria via the 2025 BLV Ranking Guidelines.

Australian rankings

Current as at 1 March 2025
Each classification includes singles and doubles rankings. Use the headings below to navigate by division.

B1 rankings

B1 men’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Ben RoweWA480.00
2Isaiah MullerSA375.00
3Arthur PirikaWA300.00

B1 women’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Tess WhelanVIC390.00
2Nicole MuirWA330.00
3Isabella AllenQLD135.00

B1 open doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Tess WhelanVIC75.00
2Isabella AllenQLD60.00
3Isaiah MullerSA52.50
4Nicole MuirWA52.50
5Arthur PirikaWA52.50
6Ben RoweWA45.00
7Michell HulinWA22.50

B2 rankings

B2 men's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Oliver FanshaweQLD615.00
2Ethan CookSA540.00
3Mark HaskettSA390.00
4Scott DannQLD390.00
5Mick ButlerSA315.00
6David GordonVIC195.00
7Timothy HaggisSA105.00
8Robert FletcherVIC90.00
9Ned Brewer-MaigaVIC60.00
10Ty AtkinsonVIC45.00
11Brett WilsonVIC15.00
12David SteedsVIC15.00

B2 women's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Courtney WebeckNSW615.00
2Karen PapanikolaouNSW240.00
3Amelia HartSA90.00
4Phoebe FinlayQLD60.00
5Aranzazu MezoVIC60.00
6Katherine WalshawQLD45.00
7Kaitlin LarneyWA45.00
8Kortney RollinsSA30.00
9Janet EtchellsQLD30.00

B2 men's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Oliver FanshaweQLD210.00
2Scott DannQLD192.25
3Mark HaskettSA173.50
4Ethan CookSA127.50
5David GordonVIC120.00
6Mick ButlerSA75.00
7Timothy HaggisSA71.25
8Rob FletcherVIC60.00
9Ned Brewer-MaigaVIC56.25
10Lachlan WallaceSA37.50
11Alan LeahyWA22.50
12Bradley BriderWA22.50
13Ty AtkinsonVIC15.00
14Eric SeeryWA15.00
15James SardiscoNSW11.25
16Vladimir ProkesNSW11.25
17David SteedsVIC7.50

B2 women's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Courtney WebeckNSW210.00
2Karen PapanikolaouNSW48.75
3Janet EtchellsQLD30.00
4Kathryn O’TooleSA22.50
5Amelia HartSA15.00
6Phoebe FinlayQLD11.25
7Aranzazu MezoVIC11.25
8Katherine WalshawQLD7.50

B3 rankings

B3 men's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Michael LeighNSW750.00
2Reuben FairbankSA375.00
3Matthew McCarthyQLD300.00
4Matthew CameronWA150.00
5Jasper SteedsVIC90.00
6Jaxon CarozzaSA60.00
7Steve ObeidVIC55.00
8Raymond MoxlyQLD45.00
9Adam FayadVIC30.00

B3 women's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Caroline LaneVIC510.00
2Leah GlassenburySA360.00
3Phoebe DavidVIC225.00
4Samantha HallNSW195.00
5Eva ForgacsSA45.00
6Kathryn OtooleSA30.00

B3 men's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Michael LeighNSW202.50
2Matthew McCarthyQLD110.00
3Reuben FairbankSA105.00
4Matthew CameronWA71.25
5Steve ObeidVIC67.50
6Jasper SteedsVIC45.00
7Adam FayadVIC22.50
8Raymond MoxlyQLD20.00
9Jaxon CarozzaSA15.00

B3 women's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Phoebe DavidVIC116.25
2Caroline LaneVIC101.25
3Leah GlassenburySA56.25
4Kala PetronijevicVIC11.25

B4 rankings

B4 men's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Ross PattersonTAS750.00
2Arato Katsuda-GreenNSW465.00
3Sean RussoNSW420.00
4David EdgecombeVIC195.00
5Max OliverSA150.00
6Matthew DivitoSA75.00

B4 women's singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Grace HobbsNSW540.00
2Madison KellyVIC300.00
3Samira CoxNSW150.00
4Eloise SpofforthSA45.00
5Sarah PollardVIC30.00

B4 men's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Ross PattersonTAS195.00
2Sean RussoNSW150.00
3Arato Katsuda-GreenNSW142.50
4David EdgecombeVIC30.00
5Max OliverSA22.50
6Matthew DivitoSA7.50

B4 women's doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Grace HobbsNSW157.50
2Madison KellyVIC97.50
3Samira CoxNSW78.75
4Shaquana WalkerSA11.25
5Sarah PollardVIC7.50

Junior rankings

Junior boys singles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Oliver FanshaweQLD650.00
2Arato Katsuda-GreenNSW600.00
3Ethan CookSA375.00
4Max OliverSA135.00
5David EdgecombeVIC105.00
6Nikhil OjhaVIC45.00
7Mikail LaikosVIC30.00

Junior girls singles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Leah GlassenburySA105.00
2Madison KellyVIC90.00
3Kala PetronijevicVIC60.00
4Bo BuakhaoSA30.00

Junior boys doubles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1David EdgecombeVIC22.50
2Matthew DivitoSA22.50
3Ethan BaillieSA15.00

Junior girls doubles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Eloise SpofforthSA15.00

International rankings

Explore the latest international standings and classification results from the IBTA World Rankings — updated as at 15 December 2024.