Blind tennis: Benefits beyond the court

Every Friday night, blind and vision-impaired players of varying ages and abilities come from different corners of the city to Melbourne Park for social tennis.

In this game, competition takes a back seat to connection, confidence, and understanding.

16-year-old David Edgecombe is legally blind in his left eye and has been playing Blind tennis for 8 years.

“It provides really strong social connections,” he says. “You’re able to bond over a lot of things.”

Kala Petronijevic, 15, comes for friendship and fitness.

Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria CEO and OAM, Maurice Gleeson, says peer support is a powerful part of the experience.

“They come across other blind or vision-impaired kids that they haven’t before,” says Gleeson. “It’s important for their self-esteem, and as they progress, if they want to do competitive tennis, it gives them something to aim for.”

Australia’s No. 1 female B1 tennis player, Tess Whelan, says blind tennis is carefully adapted so everyone can compete fairly.

“Players are grouped by sight classifications, which means you only play against people who can see a similar amount to you.”

The game itself feels familiar but thoughtfully modified. The ball is made of foam, slowing the pace, and inside it is a rattle.

“That rattle as well is a big part of it,” Tess says, allowing players to track the ball through sound as much as movement.

For 13-year-old Max Rogut, who has no depth perception and little peripheral vision, those adaptations change everything.

“The ball has a sound so you can track it easily, so I’m not as worried about missing shots,” he explains.

For Max’s mum, Jodie and Dad Dean, it’s a joy to see their son out on the court each week.

“It's absolutely amazing that he is playing with his peers,” she says. “No one rolls their eyes if he misses it. The support from other players and parents is just amazing to see and to watch.”

The benefits are felt off the court, too.

Through the blind tennis community, David gained the confidence to advocate for himself and others, even joining his local council’s advisory committee.

“Living with vision impairment can be challenging,” says David. “It’s a hard thing to live with, but it doesn’t make us hopeless, he says. “There are a lot of vision-impaired people who have contributed a lot to society.”

“There should be no reason why you can’t adapt any sport to accommodate someone with vision loss,” says Gleeson.

“Just go for it. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll meet amazing people, and you won’t feel nervous at all after about 5 minutes,” says Kala.

Learn more about all abilities sports and how to get involved on Blua’s inclusive sports hub.

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national charity dedicated to increasing grassroots participation in sport for people with disability.

Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria offers over 20 programs for people of all ages and abilities who are blind or have low vision.