Aussies Inducted Into Inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Hall Of Champions

Paralympic gold medallists David Hall and Dylan Alcott, legendary eight-time Paralympian Danni Di Toro and coaching great Francois Vogelsberger are among an outstanding group of Australians who have been inducted into the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions. 

The Hall of Champions is an initiative by the International Tennis Federation marking 50 years since skier-turned-wheelchair tennis player Brad Parks founded the sport in California in 1976. It is designed to recognise players, coaches and contributors who have played a pivotal role in the growth of the sport. More inductees will be announced throughout 2026, and annually thereafter. 

The Australians inducted among the initial group were Hall, Alcott, Di Toro, Vogelsberger, as well as Mick Connell, John Newcombe, Greg Crump, Graeme Watts and Brian Tobin. They were joined by Brad Parks (USA), Randy Snow (USA), Chantal Vandierendonck (NED), Monique Kalkman (NED), Esther Vergeer (NED) and Rick Draney (USA). 

The Australian inductees were recognised at a ceremony hosted by ITF President David Haggerty before the start of the Australian Open Wheelchair Main Draw, in Melbourne.  

On social media, Alcott posted: “Honoured to be inducted into the International Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions last night as one of the inaugural members. Extra special to sit alongside some absolute legends, especially my two coaches Greg Crump and Francois Vogelsberger, and my biggest tennis inspiration as a youngster Danni Di Toro.” 

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “From its inception to its place today on the world’s biggest stages, including the Paralympic wheelchair tennis event, all four Grand Slams, the World Team Cup, and the Wheelchair Masters, wheelchair tennis has become a hugely popular and global sport. It is a platform where players demonstrate incredible ambition and sporting excellence, inspiring audiences around the world.  

“This anniversary is a chance to honour all those who have shaped the sport, from coaches, national associations, and volunteers to the athletes themselves. It is also an opportunity to look forward, support the next generation of players, and ensure that wheelchair tennis continues to evolve, excite, and break new ground. The last 50 years are a remarkable legacy, and the best of wheelchair tennis is still to come.” 

Brad Parks said: “When wheelchair tennis began 50 years ago, it was simply about creating an opportunity to play the sport I loved in a different way. I could never have imagined how far it would grow or the impact it would have around the world. 

“To see wheelchair tennis played at the Paralympic Games, on the biggest stages at the Grand Slams, and embraced by players, fans and federations globally is incredibly special. This anniversary is not just a celebration of the sport’s history, but of the athletes, coaches, organisers and supporters who believed in what was possible.  

“I’m also grateful to the International Tennis Federation for the role it has played in supporting and developing the sport over the years, helping take wheelchair tennis from its early beginnings to a truly global stage. The future of wheelchair tennis is bright, and I’m proud to see the next generations continuing to push the sport forward.” 

Wheelchair tennis became a full Paralympic medal sport at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games and has become one of the Games’ most popular sports. The first wheelchair tennis Grand Slam event was the Australian Open in 2002 and, by 2007, all four Grand Slams included wheelchair competitions as part of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour. Since then, draw sizes and prize money have increased across all divisions, with matches regularly played on show courts, further raising the sport’s profile on tennis’s biggest stages.  

Today, the Wheelchair Tennis Tour delivers more than 160 tournaments across over 40 countries, offering more than USD 6.7 million in prize money.  

By ITF and David Sygall.

Published 20 January, 2026.