Google Celebrates Wheelchair Tennis at Paris Paralympics 2024
- Google is honoring the Paris Paralympic Games 2024 with a series of animated doodles.
- Today’s doodle specifically celebrates wheelchair tennis, adding a colorful and vibrant touch to the ongoing series.
- This daily doodle series highlights various Paralympic sports, featuring Google’s signature Paralympic-themed birds.
Wheelchair Tennis at Paralympics 2024: Key Details
- Event Dates: August 30 to September 7, 2024
- Venue: Roland Garros Stadium, Paris, known for its iconic clay courts.
- Categories: The event includes singles and doubles matches across men’s, women’s, and quads categories.
Team and Athlete Participation Guidelines
- National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) are allocated up to eleven qualification slots per committee.
- These slots include:
- Four male and four female athletes for singles events.
- Three athletes for quad singles.
- Two teams each for men’s and women’s doubles.
- One team for quad doubles.
- Slots are awarded to individual athletes, not to the NPCs.
- Eligibility requires athletes to:
- Hold a current ranking on the Wheelchair Tennis Singles World Ranking list.
- Have participated in at least two World Team Cup events between 2021 and 2024, with one appearance in 2023 or 2024.
A Brief History of Wheelchair Tennis
- Origin: Wheelchair tennis originated in 1976, pioneered by Brad Parks, a former acrobatic skier who was paralyzed in a skiing accident.
- Adaptations: The sport closely resembles conventional tennis, with the primary difference being that wheelchair players are allowed up to two bounces before returning the ball.
- Paralympic Debut: Wheelchair tennis made its Paralympic debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
- Integration into Major Tournaments: Since 2007, wheelchair tennis has been featured alongside traditional tennis events at Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
FAQs about Wheelchair Tennis at Paris Paralympics 2024
- What is the significance of the Google Doodle today?
- The Google Doodle celebrates wheelchair tennis at the Paris Paralympics 2024, featuring animated birds to honor the sport.
- When and where are the wheelchair tennis events taking place?
- The events are held from August 30 to September 7, 2024, at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
- What categories are included in the wheelchair tennis events?
- The events include singles and doubles matches in men’s, women’s, and quads categories.
- How many athletes can each NPC send for wheelchair tennis?
- Each NPC can send up to eleven athletes: four male, four female, three for quad singles, two doubles teams for men and women, and one quad doubles team.
- What are the eligibility criteria for athletes in wheelchair tennis?
- Athletes must be ranked on the Wheelchair Tennis Singles World Ranking list and have participated in at least two World Team Cup events between 2021 and 2024.
- What is the history of wheelchair tennis?
- The sport began in 1976 by Brad Parks and has since become one of the most popular adaptive sports worldwide.
- What are the key rule differences in wheelchair tennis?
- The main difference is that wheelchair players can allow the ball to bounce twice before returning it, unlike able-bodied players who are allowed only one bounce.
- When did wheelchair tennis debut in the Paralympics?
- Wheelchair tennis made its Paralympic debut in 1992 during the Barcelona Games.
- Are wheelchair tennis events held at Grand Slam tournaments?
- Yes, since 2007, wheelchair tennis matches have been held alongside conventional events at all Grand Slam tournaments.
- How does Google celebrate the Paris Paralympics 2024?
- Google celebrates with daily animated doodles, each highlighting different Paralympic sports, including wheelchair tennis.
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