Amiens, France, is set to welcome some of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players next week as the AAC Tennis Padel club hosts the second edition of its international tournament, a key stop on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour. The competition, sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), will run from March 4th to March 8th, 2026, and promises a compelling display of athleticism and sportsmanship.
The tournament will feature a 16-player men’s draw and an 8-player women’s draw, competing for a total prize purse of $3,000. This year’s event is particularly notable for marking the first international adult tournament for Cléo Ginterdaele, a 14-year-old from Northern France currently ranked 8th in the world in junior wheelchair tennis. Her participation is already generating significant media attention as she takes a crucial step in her development towards the elite level of the sport.
In the men’s draw, all eyes will be on France’s Guilhem Laget, currently ranked 28th globally and a member of the French national team. Laget reached the final of the 2025 edition of the tournament, signaling the high level of competition expected in Amiens this year. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for Laget to build on his success and further solidify his position in the world rankings.
Beyond the on-court action, the AAC Tennis Padel club is committed to promoting inclusivity through a series of events. These include a gala, a disability awareness day aimed at young people, and a “kids day” designed to connect children with professional players. The tournament will also showcase local talent, with Timothée Da Costa Santos, currently ranked 51st in the world, competing on his home court. Da Costa Santos is enjoying a period of strong form, having won an international tournament of the same category in Hungary last December. He’ll be looking to improve upon his semi-final appearance from the previous year’s tournament and continue his ascent in the rankings.
The event isn’t just about the tennis; it’s about fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for adaptive sports. The disability awareness day, in particular, aims to break down barriers and promote inclusivity within the community. Wheelchair tennis, a dynamic and highly competitive sport, demonstrates the incredible athleticism and determination of its participants, challenging perceptions and inspiring audiences.
Here’s a detailed schedule of events:
- Wednesday, March 4th: 6:00 PM – Draw ceremony and welcome reception at the Moxy Hotel.
- Thursday, March 5th: 10:00 AM – First round matches for men’s singles, women’s singles, and men’s doubles.
- Friday, March 6th: 10:00 AM – Second round of men’s singles; semi-finals for men’s and women’s doubles. 7:00 PM – Gala and musical performance. The day will also feature the disability awareness day.
- Saturday, March 7th: 10:00 AM – Semi-finals for men’s and women’s singles. 3:00 PM – Kids Day event. 4:30 PM – Finals for men’s and women’s doubles, with young ball boys and girls participating, followed by the awards ceremony.
- Sunday, March 8th: 9:30 AM – Women’s final, followed by the men’s final, consolation finals for both men and women, and the final awards ceremony.
The tournament represents a significant opportunity for Amiens to showcase its commitment to inclusive sports and to provide a platform for both established and emerging wheelchair tennis stars. The AAC Tennis Padel club’s dedication to creating a welcoming and accessible environment is commendable, and the event promises to be a highlight of the wheelchair tennis calendar.
Following the conclusion of the tournament in Amiens, players will continue competing on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, with upcoming events scheduled across Europe and beyond. Fans can follow the progress of their favorite players and stay up-to-date with the latest results on the ITF’s official website: https://www.itftennis.com/en/. The tour provides a pathway for athletes to compete at the highest level, including the Paralympic Games.
Photo Credit: Théo Bégler — Gazette Sports (archive)
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