Blind tennis champion campaigns for awareness and Paralympic inclusion

Naqi Rizvi loves the “absolute freedom” he feels on the tennis court.Winning titles is fun, too.The 34-year-old blind tennis champion is on a mission to not only raise awareness but also elevate the sport into the Paralympics.“That would be the dream, and I’d love to be the first Paralympic champion if I can,” Rizvi said.The London resident, fully blind from the age of 7 because of congenital glaucoma, only took up the sport a decade ago and is now the No.1-ranked men’s player in the world for his category.Also an avid runner, Rizvi has completed two marathons and although jogging with a guide is great, tennis offers more.“On a tennis court, I have absolute freedom because I know where the boundaries are, no one needs to tell me which way to turn, I don’t need to have a cane or anything of this sort,” he told The Associated Press during a practice session at the National Tennis Center in southwest London.“It’s just the absolute sense of freedom to know that I can run comfortably, make my own decisions, and then be able to play points or rallies.

It’s just incredible.”The rules are basically the same as mainstream tennis just with smaller dimensions and slightly lower net.Tactile lines are taped onto the court so players like Rizvi can feel the boundaries.

Depending on the level of visual impairment, you are allowed up to three bounces of the ball.The foam ball contains a bell so players can audibly track it.“What I find interesting about blind tennis is it’s incredibly technical,” said Rizvi, who also possesses a big serve.The problem-solving aspect of the sport is something Rizvi enjoys — no surprise given that he studied engineering at University College London.“You really need to anticipate after you’ve heard the first bounce where the second and third will be,” he said.

“You obviously can’t see how your opponent has hit the ball, so it’s a lot of anticipation and a lot of practice and getting used to differen...