Australian Open 2026 will become the first Grand Slam to integrate a Blind and Low Vision (BLV) invitational event as part of its official tournament program.
The Australian Open 2026 Blind and Low Vision Showdown will run from Saturday 31 January to Sunday 1 February, showcasing the world’s best blind and low vision tennis players and placing elite BLV competition on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Sixteen of the top BLV players from Australia and around the world will compete in an innovative and inclusive team format, featuring Team Australia v Team World. Each team will include eight players across all BLV classifications, supported by a dedicated team captain.
“Integrating a Blind and Low Vision event into the Australian Open is a powerful statement about where the sport is heading,” Tennis Australia DE&I Pathways & Events Specialist Ben Dew said.
“This event is about more than competition, it’s about visibility, opportunity and ensuring the Australian Open reflects the full diversity of the tennis community.
“We’re so excited to welcome the world’s best blind and low vision athletes to the Australian Open, and are proud to lead the way in redefining what inclusion looks like at the highest level of the sport.”
Blind and Low Vision tennis follows the same spirit as the mainstream game, with thoughtful adaptations that keep competition fair, instinctive and exciting. Players rely on audible balls, tactile court lines and modified bounce rules according to their sport classification.
Classification
B1: Up to three bounces (blindfold required)
B2: Up to three bounces
B3: Up to two bounces
B4: One bounce