U.S. Blind Tennis Association Announces First-Ever National Championship

Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Photo credits: U.S. Blind Tennis Association

Keep your eyes on the ball is a common refrain coaches preach to new players.

Blind tennis players compete tuning into the sound of the ball striking the strings.

Now, America’s blind tennis players can take their games to a new national championship.

The U.S. Blind Tennis Association (USBTA) today announced the inaugural U.S. Blind Tennis National Championship that will be contested from August 7-9th at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

The tournament marks the first U.S. national championship in the sport’s history and showcases the continued growth of blind and low-vision tennis nationwide.

The championship is a major milestone for blind tennis in the United States, providing athletes with the opportunity to compete on a national stage. The USBTA reports it has blind and low-vision tennis “participation has expanded through local programs, clinics, and tournaments, creating opportunities for blind and low vision athletes of all ages to experience the sport.”

“This championship is something our community has worked toward for years,” said Murray Elbourn, President of the U.S Blind Tennis Association. “For the first time, blind and low vision athletes from across the country will have the opportunity to compete for a national title while demonstrating the skill, determination, and passion that define our sport.”

Blind tennis continues to experience rapid growth around the world and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing adapted sports with the International Blind Sports Federation IBSA. As tennis participation continues to rise nationwide, blind tennis represents an important opportunity to make the sport more accessible and inclusive for all.

“Tennis has the power to bring communities together and create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate and thrive,” Evan Enquist, Director of Adaptive Tennis at the USTA. “The inaugural U.S. Blind Tennis National Championships is a historic milestone that reflects the tremendous growth of adapted tennis and the dedication of the athletes, volunteers, coaches, and advocates who have helped build this community.”

Some elite pros have hit with blind players and come away impressed by the experience.

Click the Tennis Now video below to see Andre Agassi take on a blind tennis champion, who picks up the location and direction of the ball through the sound of a rattle embedded in the ball. Agassi initially tries hitting with his eyes closed before rallying with eyes open.

The U.S. Blind Tennis National Championship will take place August 7-9 at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Athletes from across the country will compete in singles and doubles competition across multiple sight classifications.

For more information about attending or participating, please visit www.usblindtennis.org