UA Wheelchair Tennis, TTS To Host National Championships

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama’s wheelchair tennis program on Friday announced it will host the 2021 USTA Wheelchair Tennis Level 1 National Championships, in addition to inclusion in the new Junior Tournament Series and the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour.

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Dubbed as the Alabama Open, the tournament is set for Oct. 7 – 10 and will be hosted at the Varsity Tennis Stadium and the new Adapted Athletics Parker-Haun Tennis Facility. The 5,400-square-foot facility is the only collegiate tennis facility for adapted student-athletes in the nation.

The Alabama Open represents the only professional tournament to be hosted this year in the United States and will draw competitors and participants from across the country and beyond with an estimated economic impact of $1 million.

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Registration for the four-day tournament opened Thursday.

The Alabama Open will be also made possible through a collaboration with presenting sponsor Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS).

“The University’s Adapted Athletics program and its wheelchair tennis team has continued to add tremendous value to our community, not only through their athlete’s success, but also by creating a more welcoming and inviting destination for all people, no matter their ability,” said TTS Director of Sports Stan Adams. “As the presenting sponsor for the Alabama Open, we look forward to welcoming these exceptional athletes to Tuscaloosa.”

University of Alabama Head Wheelchair Tennis Coach and Tournament Director Evan Enquist, expressed his excitement for the USTA National Championships coming to Tuscaloosa.

"I’m proud of our events reputation for accessible facilities, wonderful food and hospitality for our guests," he said. "We have been planning for months and plan to host an incredible outdoor event that will put health and safety first for all players and guests in attendance."

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