USTA Receives ITF Brad Parks Award for Contribution to Global Growth of Wheelchair Tennis

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has been presented with the ITF Brad Parks Award by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), in recognition of their outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to developing wheelchair tennis both nationally and globally.

The Brad Parks Award is the sport’s highest honour, awarded annually to those who have made a significant international contribution to wheelchair tennis. It celebrates those whose lasting contributions reflect the values of inclusion, opportunity, and innovation that define the sport.

The USTA becomes just the third national federation, and the first Grand Slam nation, to receive the award, which was established in 1993 to honour wheelchair tennis founder Brad Parks. The selection followed a recommendation by the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee and approval by the ITF Board of Directors.

Above: Shingo Kunieda, Brian Vahaly (USTA Chairman of the Board and President), Brad Parks, Nick Taylor, Esther Vergeer, Rick Draney, Jason Harnett, David Hall, Dave Haggerty (ITF President), Dan James. Photo credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA.

The 2024 award was formally presented during the 2025 US Open, which is marking 20 years since the tournament first featured the wheelchair tennis competition. With the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis approaching in 2026, this milestone recognises a legacy of progress and a future of continued impact.

Since assuming governance of wheelchair tennis in the United States in 1998 the USTA has provided structure, funding, and support across all levels of the game. From grassroots programmes, collegiate initiatives and high-performance pathways, wheelchair tennis has become fully integrated across the organisation’s operations, setting a new global standard for inclusion in Paralympic sport.

Among its many achievements, the USTA elevated the US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships to Grand Slam status in 2005 and became the first Grand Slam nation to introduce junior wheelchair competition at a Grand Slam. It has also been instrumental in fostering international partnerships, collaborating with the ITF, the Cruyff Foundation, and UNIQLO to expand junior development opportunities and establish a sustainable collegiate system governed by the appropriate national body.

These efforts have not only raised the profile of wheelchair tennis in the US but have helped shape a more equitable and inclusive tennis landscape worldwide.

Photo credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA.

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “The ITF Brad Parks Award honours those whose passion and dedication have left an enduring mark on wheelchair tennis. The USTA exemplifies leadership with purpose, championing inclusion, driving progress and inspiring change. Over the past 25 years, it has not only raised the profile of the sport within the United States but also helped set a global benchmark for integration and opportunity. From grassroots to Grand Slam, its work has redefined what is possible in wheelchair tennis and continues to open doors for generations to come.”

Brian Vahaly, USTA Chairman of the Board and President said: “We are proud at the USTA to see our work in wheelchair tennis making an impact beyond the United States. Facilitating the inclusion of collegiate wheelchair tennis within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, expanding Grand Slam wheelchair draws to historic levels, and being the first Grand Slam nation to include junior wheelchair tennis, the USTA is showing what inclusion can look like on the world stage.”

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Courtesy of the USTA. Top photo credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA.