The Remarkable Growth of Para-Standing Tennis – Meet Rising Star Luca

Para-standing tennis is gaining momentum, with British players winning on the world stage and new opportunities for people to try the sport for the first time, including new LTA supported Para Standing Tennis Hubs.

11-year-old Luca Reese is one of the young players helping to showcase just how powerful and inclusive this growing format can be.

Para-standing tennis is designed for people of all ages with physical impairments, including limb loss, limb difference, cerebral palsy, or short stature, who compete without the use of a wheelchair. With more opportunities emerging nationwide, players are finding both a welcoming community, a competitive pathway to develop their skills and the chance to compete on the world stage.

A young player with big dreams

Luca first picked up a racket at just four years old and has been passionate about tennis ever since. After entering mainstream junior tennis competitions early in his journey, Luca began exploring para-standing tennis last year through several LTA regional taster sessions.

He quickly embraced the community and stepped onto bigger stages, competing at the Regional event in Surbiton, and then being invited to play at the World Championships in Barcelona alongside the GB team. Those experiences have only strengthened his ambition.

For Luca, the impact of para-standing tennis goes beyond the court: "I've made lots of friends and got inspiration from playing with people with limb differences like me." His mother Kavita noted that "the warm welcome and support from the para-standing community has been incredible" and she has enjoyed "watching Luca grow in confidence."

Expanding opportunities: LTA supports new Para-standing Tennis Hubs

To help more players discover the sport, the LTA recently supported the launch of four new pilot Para-Standing Tennis Hubs in partnership with the Queen's Club Foundation, Hampshire LTA, Gloucestershire LTA and Lancashire & Cheshire LTA.

The hubs will build strong, sustainable para-standing tennis programmes, creating active links with National Disability Sports Organisations and their local networks, ensuring potential players can easily find sessions that meet their needs.

A pathway with purpose

With regional, national, European and World Championships now established, para-standing tennis is growing quickly. Britain will host an IPSTA 1000 for the first time in 2026, with the Surbiton Trophy Grass Court Championships running from 13–16 June, bringing the world's best players together during the height of the British grass court tennis season.