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OM Andrew Penney's Path to a Top 30 World Ranking in Professional Wheelchair Tennis

We had the pleasure of speaking with OM Andrew Penney, a 20-year-old professional wheelchair tennis player from Southampton, who shared the story of his journey to achieving a top 30 world ranking and securing the #4 spot in the UK.

(Image: The Lawn Tennis Association / Instagram: @LTA)

 

Before a routine minor operation to the foot in 2018, which unfortunately resulted in a total loss of memory and a permanent inability to walk, I was a talented athlete in a wide variety of sports, including tennis. In spite of this, I have remained strong-willed and determined to leave my past behind and turn my attention to future achievement. 

 

As former world #3 for Juniors (U18), I have now radically improved my Men’s ranking to a career high of world #26 and GB #3, climbing more than 300 places in the past three years. 
 

Last year, I achieved the qualifying ranking for the Paris Paralympic Games and was selected as Team GB’s first reserve. 


I have won 22 International Wheelchair Tennis (ITF) titles – 7 Singles and 15 Doubles, as well as back-to-back National Singles and Doubles titles. In addition, I have previously competed at prominent international events such as the Junior US Open, Cinch Championships at The Queen’s Club London, Rothersay International Eastbourne, ABN Amro Open (Netherlands) and the BMW Open (Germany). 

 

This year, I am aiming to compete at the Wimbledon Championships. Beyond that, my goal is to qualify for all major grand slams from 2026, and to win a medal at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Long-term, my ambitions are to win Grand Slams and paralympic gold medals.

 

What an inspiring journey, Andrew – congratulations on all your achievements! To learn more about Andrew's story and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit his website at www.andrew-penney.com.