Naqi Rizvi finds an “absolute freedom” on the tennis court, which is something she deeply cherishes.
Winning titles? That’s a nice bonus too.
At 34, this blind tennis champion is dedicated not just to raising awareness but also to advocating for the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympics.
“That’s a dream of mine. I’d love to be the first Paralympic champion if I can make it happen,” Rizvi expressed.
London residents who became completely blind due to congenital glaucoma by the age of seven have been involved in sports for the last decade, with one rising to first place in his category worldwide.
A passionate runner, Rizvi has finished two marathons. While jogging with a guide has its perks, there’s something special about tennis.
“On the tennis court, I feel this absolute freedom. I know where everything is, so there’s no need for directions. I can just, well, move without a cane or anything like that,” Rizvi explained.
“It’s an incredible feeling to run freely, make my own choices, and know I can get through rallies. It’s just amazing.”
How it works
The rules of blind tennis are similar to regular tennis, with slight modifications like smaller court dimensions and lower nets. The touchlines are designed to help players like Rizvi detect the boundaries. Depending on how visually impaired a player is, they might be allowed up to three bounces of the ball. Also, the balls have a bell inside, making it easier to track.
“I find blind tennis fascinating because it’s quite technical,” she mentioned, especially noting her strong serve.
The strategic aspect of the sport really appeals to her, which is probably no surprise considering her background in engineering from the University of London.
“After hearing the second and third bounces, you have to anticipate what’s coming next,” she said. “Not being able to see how your opponent hits the ball means there’s a lot of guessing and practicing involved to learn the different angles it’ll take.”
Raise awareness
Rizvi didn’t even know blind tennis existed until she came across Metro Blind Sports in London about 10 years ago. Since then, she has been hooked.
“If you look into the lives of visually impaired people, how are they meant to know about these sports? Most aren’t televised or part of mainstream events,” she argued.
The Lawn Tennis Association backs initiatives for visually impaired individuals, including practice at their National Tennis Centre. They also host tournaments annually, sending a “Team GB” into international competitions.
However, Rizvi pointed out the lack of financial support for players. Tournaments often come with no prize money, and athletes typically cover their own expenses.
“If you don’t have the visibility and funding, it’s really tough,” she noted. “The governing bodies should be more proactive in offering equal support to all types of disabled tennis—not just the bigger ones like wheelchair tennis.”
Paralympics and Grand Slam Events
Rizvi, who now holds British citizenship and represents England, originally hails from Pakistan. She talked about her diverse heritage—her father is Pakistani and her mother is Indian—and how it has influenced her journey.
Blind tennis, which began in Japan with Takei Miyoshi, has been a competitive sport since 1984. Last year’s World Championships in Italy saw a record 117 players from 20 countries, according to the International Blind Tennis Association.
Rizvi has secured gold in numerous championships, including the 2023 European and World Championships and ISBA World Games where she is a two-time defending champion in the Road to Wimbledon tournament.
The International Paralympic Committee stipulates that any sport must be “broadly and regularly practiced” in at least 32 countries across three continents to be considered.
“I really want blind tennis to be in the Paralympics,” Rizvi said. “But I also envision it as a sport in mainstream tournaments, part of the Grand Slam circuit, included in the ATP Tour.”
“It has the support, the geography, the people—there’s passion behind it.”
