About

How the game is played

Learn how tennis supports different ways of thinking, learning and competing — through highlights from players with intellectual disability or autism. Captions are available. 

For a transcript or AUSLAN-accessible version, email deaftennis@tennis.com.au. 

Thinking differently, playing together

Tennis is flexible, social and easy to adapt – making it ideal for players with intellectual disability or neurodivergence. Whether you're learning to rally or competing at the Australian Championships, there’s a place for every player. 

There are three eligibility groups for competition: 

  • II-1: Intellectual disability 
  • II-2: Intellectual and physical disability  
  • II-3: Autism 

Players can also take part in Special Olympics events, which are open to a broader range of abilities and support needs. 

Coaching and inclusive play

Tips for inclusive play

  • Use consistent, simple language.
  • Allow time to process instructions.
  • Break down drills step by step.
  • Demonstrate visually where possible.
  • Acknowledge effort and progress.

Communication and support

  • Some players prefer quieter environments.
  • Others thrive with sensory tools or music breaks.
  • Coaches may use schedules, timers or routines.
  • Learn how to support intellectual disability and autism and ID players.

Playing with focus and flexibility

World No.1 Archie Graham shares how tennis adapts to different ways of learning and thinking – from daily routines to elite competition. The footage captures his training, mindset and connection with coaches and teammates.

Competitive pathways

Tennis Australia offers a clear and inclusive competitive pathway for players with intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism – from local events to international representation. Players can compete in the Intellectual Disability and Autism (IDA) Community Series (regional), IDA Signature Series (state-based), and the Australian Tennis Championships, which is the pinnacle national event. 

For those seeking elite opportunities, Tennis Australia supports classification, coaching and selection for the Virtus World Tennis Championships, Virtus Global Games, and Special Olympics – ensuring players at all levels can progress with confidence.

For eligibility details, visit Sport Inclusion Australia or Special Olympics Australia. 

Frequently asked questions

Players can join local clubs, take part in inclusive coaching programs or compete in state and national events like the Australian Championships.

Yes – tennis suits many autistic players. It offers structure, individual focus and clear routines, with space to adapt coaching as needed.

Definitely. Tennis offers short bursts of activity, repetition and built-in rest – great for attention, confidence and energy regulation.

It supports movement, independence, communication and connection – all while having fun and being part of a community.

There are three: 

  • II-1: Intellectual disability 
  • II-2: Intellectual and physical disability 
  • II-3: Autism used for Virtus and Tennis Australia competitions. 

Core rules stay the same. Some formats use modified scoring, coaching support or visual cues to support learning and participation.

Yes, dependent on a person’s NDIS plan tennis may be covered under NDIS categories like social and community participation. It's always recommended to confirm with your NDIS contact.

Need help getting started?

Contact us
A boy with intellectual disability playing Hot Shots tennis

Eligibility

Am I eligible?

To compete in Tennis Australia’s inclusive events, players must meet the eligibility criteria for one of three IDA (Intellectual Disability and Autism) classification groups, recognised by Virtus and supported by Sport Inclusion Australia:

ClassificationEligibilityIDA tennis events

II-1  

Intellectual disability

 

 

Athletes with intellectual disability:

  • Full-scale IQ score of 75 or lower.
  • Significant limitations in adaptive behaviour.
  • And onset before age 22.

 

 

  • IDA Community (Regional) Series.
  • IDA Signature (State) Series.
  • Australian Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus World Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus Global Games.
  • Special Olympics.

 

 

 

 

 

II-2 Significant other impairment (e.g. Down syndrome)

 

 

Athletes with Down syndrome who have:

  • a formal diagnosis of Trisomy 21 or Translocation Down syndrome
  • for safety, athletes must not have symptomatic Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI).

Athletes with intellectual disability who have:

  • satisfied II-1 eligibility criteria, and
  • meet the FAST test requirements. 

NOTE: Mosaic Down syndrome is not an eligible criteria for II-2.

 

 

  • IDA Community (Regional) Series.
  • PWII Signature (State) Series.
  • Australian Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus World Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus Global Games.
  • Special Olympics.

 

 

II-3 

Autism

 

 

Athletes with Autism who have:

  • formal diagnosis of Autism, ASD or Asperger’s syndrome
  • a copy of an autism assessment report (based on one of the approved tests is needed).

 

 

  • IDA Community (Regional) Series.
  • IDA Signature (State) Series.
  • Australian Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus World Tennis Championships.
  • Virtus Global Games.
  • Special Olympics.

 

 

 

 

 

What if I don't meet these classifications?

Some athletes with intellectual disability or autism may not meet the criteria for II-1, II-2 or II-3. These players may still be eligible to compete in Special Olympics events, which are open to a broader range of abilities and support needs. 

Special Olympics Australia provides inclusive opportunities to play, compete and connect – regardless of age, ability or experience.

Talent pathway

Squads, camps and tournaments can lead to national team selection for the Virtus World Tennis Championships and Global Games.

Pathway opportunities

Tennis Australia offers a clear and inclusive competitive pathway for players with intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism – from local events to international representation. 

Players can compete in: 

  • IDA Community Series (regional) 
  • IDA Signature Series (state-based) 
  • Australian Tennis Championships (national).

International playing opportunities

For players seeking elite competition, Tennis Australia supports classification, coaching and selection for: 

  • Virtus World Tennis Championships
    The premier global event for players with intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism.

  • Virtus Global Games
    A multi-sport event held every four years for elite athletes with intellectual impairment.

  • Special Olympics World Games
    A global celebration of inclusion, open to athletes of all abilities and experience levels. 

Partnerships

We’re proud to work alongside organisations that champion inclusion and opportunity.

These partners help shape our programs, policies and pathways – ensuring players can participate as athletes, coaches, volunteers or fans.

Special Olympics Australia

Special Olympics Australia logo

Sport Inclusion Australia

Sport Inclusion Australia logo

Success stories

Archie Graham: Championing inclusive performance

Discover how structure, mindset and connection shape high-performance tennis for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Archie’s story offers a powerful look at adapting routines, sustaining focus and representing Australia on the world stage.

Coaching for inclusion

Explore how coaches create supportive environments using visual cues, consistent routines and player-first strategies. Designed for coaches, volunteers and program leaders working with athletes with intellectual disability and autism.

Get started

Find a coach

Tennis clubs across Australia offer a range of inclusive programs for players with intellectual disability, Down syndrome or autism. These include: 

  • Hot Shots Tennis
    Fun, game-based learning for kids.

  • Cardio Tennis
    Fitness-focused sessions for all levels.

  • Open court sessions
    Social tennis for adults.

  • Come-and-try days
    Introductory events in your local area.

To find out what’s available near you, contact your local Member Association. 

National coach

Our national coach leads inclusive tennis programs across Australia and can help connect you with local opportunities. Reach out to learn more about programs, coaching support and how to get involved in your area.

PWII-accredited coaches

These coaches are experienced in working with players in the People with an Intellectual Impairment (PWII) pathway, which includes athletes with intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Contact them directly to learn more about lessons, squads or local events.

IDA coaches

NameClubSuburbStateContact
Stefan VisserKeilor TCKeilorVICviss.tennis@gmail.com
Chris SinghCaroline Springs TCCaroline SpringsVICchris@itennis.net.au
Ben LongridgeGracedale Park TCRingwood EastVICadvantedgetennis@hotmail.com
Julie GolightlyQueenscliff TCQueenscliffVICtennisfanatics@bigpond.com
Steve Manley & Lochie MortensenVoyagerMetro SydneyNSWlochie@voyagertennis.com
Sean TsaiCity Community TennisSurrey HillsNSWsean@citycommunitytennis.com.au
Shaun HibbertShaun Hibbert Tennis AcademyEngadineNSWtennis@shaunhibbert.com.au
Paula Gibson RoyEvolve TennisCollaroyNSWevolvetennis@evolvetennisacademy.com
Glen BowePositive Fit Tennis ClubGold CoastQLDpositivefittennis@gmail.com
AJ ThompsonFuturePros Tennis AcademyLoganQLDfpta@outlook.com
Fred LayTrinity Beach TCCairnsQLDfred@fusiontenniscairns.com
Ryan CoffeyEarlville TCCairnsQLDrct_coach@hotmail.com
Adolfo GarciaToowoomba Regional TCToowoombaQLDcoach@southqldtennisacademy.com.au
Josh HollowayBeaks TennisRockhamptonQLDhollowlegstennis@gmail.com
Chris NovicFocus Tennis AcademyRedcliffeQLDchris@focustennisacademy.com.au
Ian MalpassMalpass TennisSouth-East QLDQLDinfo@malpasstennis.com.au
Jesse ParkerSunshine TennisMitcheltonQLDsunshinetennis@y7mail.com

Not sure where to begin?

We can help connect you with the right coach, club or program – just tell us a bit about your goals or locations.

Events

2025 event calendar

Explore upcoming intellectual disability and autism events across Australia in 2025 — including key dates, venues, entry timelines and contacts to help you get involved.

2025 Intellectual Disability & Autism (IDA) Event Calendar

StartEndEvent nameVenueStateType$$SurfaceEntry opening dateEntry closing dateContact nameContact phoneContact email
24/01/202526/01/2025AO25 Intellectual Disability ChampionshipsMelbourne ParkVICVirtusTBAPlexicushion08/10/202408/11/2024Jennifer Johnson AOPWII@tennis.com.au
28/02/20252/03/20252025 VIC IDA OpenTennis World Albert ReserveVICSignatureNAPlexicusion01/01/202518/02/2025Scott Johnston tournamentsvic@tennis.com.au
29/03/202530/03/20252025 WA IDA OpenAlexander Park Tennis ClubWASignatureNAGrass05/02/202522/03/2025Brad Ladyman0498 572 395bradley.ladyman@tennis.com.au
13/04/202513/04/20252025 Special Olympics NSW Sydney Northern BeachesOxford Falls Tennis ClubNSWCommunityNAHardcourt    info.nsw@specialolympics.com.au
26/04/202527/04/20252025 ACT IDA OpenCanberra Tennis CentreACTSignatureNAHardcourt25/03/202512/04/2025Skye Davis02 6160 7808acttournaments@tennis.com.au
3/05/202511/05/20252025 Virtus World Tennis ChampionshipsAstana-KazakhstanKAZAKHSTANVirtusNAHardcourtNANAJay Schuback jschuback@tennis.com.au
6/06/20256/06/20252025 Special Olympics NSW South CoastBatemans Bay Tennis ClubNSWCommunityNAHardcourt    info.nsw@specialolympics.com.au
4/07/20256/07/20252025 NSW IDA OpenCintra Park Tennis & Sports CentreNSWSignatureNASynthetic Grass23/05/202520/06/2025Allira Smith-Connor0499 564 176nswtournaments@tennis.com.au
31/08/202531/08/20252025 Special Olympics NSW Sydney WestDural Tennis CentreNSWCommunityNAHardcourt    info.nsw@specialolympics.com.au
31/08/202531/08/20252025 OC Colonel Light West Tennis Club IDA OpenColonel Light West Tennis ClubSACommunityNAHardcourt01/07/202521/08/2025Damien Page0407 184 781damien@dptennis.com.au
5/09/20257/09/20252025 QLD IDA OpenKDV SportQLDSignatureNAHardcourt01/06/202526/08/2025Jennifer Johnson0466 922 039jjohnson@tennis.com.au
2/10/20255/10/20252025 Australian IDA Tennis ChampionshipsMelbourne ParkVICNationalNAPlexicusion01/07/202514/09/2025Ben Dew0466 571 776ATC@tennis.com.au
25/10/202526/10/20252025 TAS IDA OpenTennis World LauncestonTASSignatureNAHardcourt13/09/202515/11/2025Phoebe Davis0435 969 395phoebe.davis@tennis.com.au
28/11/202530/11/20252025 Peter Smith IDA OpenThe Drive & Next Gen Memorial DriveSASignatureNAPlexicushion10/10/202518/11/2025Brad Poole0403 107 258bradley.pool@tennis.com.au

Things you need to know

  • Event changes
    Dates and venues may change. Players who’ve entered will be notified of any updates.

  • Friday matches
    Some events may include Friday evening matches due to large entry numbers or court availability.

  • Entries
    Open eight weeks before each event. Click the event name to view details and enter online.

  • Need help?
    Contact inclusion@tennis.com.au for support getting started. Entries typically open eight weeks before each event.

Rankings

How rankings work

We use the People with an Intellectual Impairment (PWII) Australian Ranking system to track performance across singles and doubles events for eligible players in the IDA pathway. 

Rankings are calculated on a 12-month rollover, based on each athlete’s best four results. Once a result reaches 12 months, it no longer counts toward their total. 

There are three Virtus-recognised classifications: 

  • II-1: Intellectual disability
  • II-2: Down syndrome
  • II-3: Autism

Each classification has separate rankings for singles and doubles. Junior rankings are tracked across mixed classifications. 

Want to know how points are awarded or ties are resolved? View the 2024 PWII Australian Ranking Guidelines.

Australian rankings

Current as at 1 February 2025

II-1 rankings

 II-1 men’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Archie GrahamQLD800.00
2Tyler McPhersonVIC435.00
3Damian PhillipsNSW390.00
4Scott CrowdenTAS330.00
5Jarrad CatalanoSA330.00
6Christopher PavlisSA315.00
7Alex BakerQLD255.00
8Nick HeamesTAS195.00
9Mitchell JamesQLD135.00
10Joshua HollowayQLD120.00
11Michael WrenNSW120.00
12Senya RudoyVIC75.00
13Thomas ClaydonWA75.00
14Luke TrethowanVIC60.00
15Lachlan MitchellVIC60.00
16Adrian IzurietaNSW60.00
17Zarey SouNSW60.00
18Declan HobleyQLD30.00
19Luke PercyVIC30.00
20Cameron PellizzonNSW15.00
21Lachlan MillsVIC15.00

 II-1 women’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Kelly WrenNSW800.00
2Andriana PetrakisSA760.00
3Chloe DunnQLD315.00
4Siobhan JohnsonVIC300.00
5Breanna TunnyQLD285.00
6Carla LenarduzziVIC240.00
7Madison McPhersonVIC150.00
8Schapelle ConwayNSW90.00
9Fiona TaylorVIC60.00
10Emma ManganQLD45.00
11Joanna KlaosenSA45.00
12Kirby TempletonVIC30.00
13Lana SaxQLD30.00

 II-1 men’s doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Archie GrahamQLD172.50
2Nick HeamesTAS165.00
3Scott CrowdenTAS135.00
4Alex BakerQLD116.25
5Tyler McPhersonVIC97.50
6Jarrad CatalanoSA97.50
7Damian PhillipsNSW93.75
8Christopher PavlisSA82.50
9Mitchell JamesQLD75.00
10Joshua HollowayQLD75.00
11Zarey SouNSW60.00
12Luke TrethowanVIC56.25
13Daniel VadnjalVIC48.75
14Michael WrenNSW37.50
15Thomas ClaydonVIC33.75
16Will MaherNSW30.00
17Cameron PellizzonNSW30.00
18Declan HobleyQLD22.50
19Connor SheppardTAS15.00
20Adrian IzurietaNSW15.00
21Peter KerinSA11.25
22Toby LangfordVIC11.25
23Harvey DionisioVIC11.25

 II-1 women’s doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Carla LenarduzziVIC127.50
2Kelly WrenNSW127.50
3Andriana PetrakisSA97.50
4Breanna TunnyQLD86.25
5Siobhan JohnsonVIC82.50
6Lalie ConwayNSW56.25
7Schapelle ConwayNSW48.75
8Madison McPhersonVIC37.50
9Chloe DunnQLD33.75
10Lana SaxQLD22.50

II-2 rankings

II-2 men’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Timothy GouldQLD195.00
2Sai Aman RamadaniQLD90.00

II-2 Women’s Singles

(No recent events played)

II-2 men’s doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Timothy GouldQLD112.50

II-2 women’s doubles

(No recent events played)

II-3 rankings

II-3 men’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Hunter ThompsonQLD700.00
2Simon MaNSW590.00
3Tom CollinsSA560.00
4Nicholas CostaSA530.00
5Hayden BallardQLD330.00
6Nicholas PotterNSW270.00
7Lev’I DorwardNSW255.00
8Daniel CrossVIC105.00
9Orlando ThompsonQLD60.00
10James TomlinsQLD45.00
11Gage MacraeQLD30.00

II-3 women’s singles

RankNameStatePTS
1Sasha CliffordQLD360.00
2Amy PottsQLD345.00
3Iridian CantNSW105.00
4Ava JacquesWA90.00
5Lillie EadieQLD30.00
6Bianca GrantQLD15.00

II-3 men’s doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Hayden BallardQLD188.50
2Hunter ThompsonQLD188.50
3Simon MaNSW101.25
4Tom CollinsSA93.75
5Nicholas CostaSA90.00
6Lev’I DorwardNSW78.75
7Daniel CrossVIC22.50

II-3 women’s doubles

RankNameStatePTS
1Sasha CliffordQLD48.75
2Amy PottsQLD41.25
3Iridian CantNSW33.75
4Molly HaywardQLD11.25

Junior rankings

 Junior Boys Singles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Simon MaNSW490.00
2Lev’I DorwardNSW420.00
3Orlando ThompsonQLD300.00
4Daniil KostenkoNSW210.00
5James TomlinsQLD200.00
6Kale StantonVIC150.00
7Nate LawnVIC135.00
8Gage MacraeQLD135.00
9Declan HobleyQLD120.00
10Ocean LindnerQLD75.00
11Peter PiosickiVIC75.00
12Liam GlisentiWA60.00
13Lucas ShayVIC30.00
14Tyler CramptonQLD15.00

Junior Girls Singles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Sasha CliffordQLD630.00
2Chloe DunnQLD525.00
3Iridian CantNSW195.00
4Siobhan JohnsonVIC195.00
5Lana SaxQLD180.00
6Ava JacquesWA150.00
7Lillie EadieQLD150.00
8Molly HaywardQLD90.00
9Schapelle ConwayVIC90.00

Junior Boys Doubles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Orlando ThompsonQLD105.00
2Ocean LindnerQLD105.00
3Daniil KostenkoNSW52.50
4Gage MacraeQLD37.50
5Nate LawnVIC22.50
6Peter PiosickiVIC22.50
7Tyler CramptonQLD22.50
8Jordan MercerQLD22.50
9Lev’I DorwardNSW15.00
10William DruveQLD11.25

Junior Girls Doubles (mixed classification)

RankNameStatePTS
1Sasha CliffordQLD101.25
2Lalie ConwayNSW56.25
3Schapelle ConwayNSW22.50
4Ava JacquesWA22.50
5Lillie EadieQLD11.25

International rankings

Virtus maintains global rankings for players with intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism across singles, doubles and team events. These rankings are updated after each sanctioned international competition.

View the latest Virtus World Rankings.