In a captivating exhibition that became one of the talking points of the 2025 ITF World Coaches Conference (WCC), many of the world’s leading tennis coaches were introduced to blind tennis for the very first time. The demonstration, a powerful result of the collaboration between the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA), showcased the incredible athleticism, skill, and accessibility of the game.
The exhibition in Vilnius, Lithuania, featured the current B1 European Champion, Karolis Verbliugevicius from Lithuania, and Carlos Arbos Ginard from France, with coach Aidas Danilovas from Blind Sport Lithuania.
For the assembled coaches, whose expertise spans all levels of the sport, the demonstration was a revelation. It challenged conventional perceptions of athletic capability and opened their eyes to a new dimension of tennis inclusion.
“This was more than just an exhibition; it was a masterclass in adaptation and focus,” said one attending coach. “To see the players’ spatial awareness, their timing, and their competitive spirit is humbling. It immediately makes you think about how we can make tennis truly a sport for all.”
The presence of blind tennis at the premier coaching conference is a direct outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ITF and the IBTA earlier this year. The partnership aims to promote, develop, and integrate blind tennis within the global tennis community, providing a structured pathway for competition and participation.
The goal is clear: to spread awareness and provide coaches with the tools to introduce blind tennis in their own communities and clubs. The enthusiastic reception in Vilnius suggests a fertile ground for growth.
“The energy in the main stage of SEB Arena was incredible,” Samir Mahir, IBTA President, noted. “These coaches are influencers. They have the power to go back to their countries and create opportunities. After seeing the sport in action, their questions were not ‘if’ but ‘how’ they can get involved.”
The demonstration at the ITF WCC in Vilnius did more than just showcase a sport; it served a powerful ace of awareness. It proved that tennis is not defined solely by sight, but by sound, touch, and an indomitable competitive spirit. As the coaches return home, the sound of the bouncing audible ball is likely to echo far beyond Lithuania, inspiring a new wave of inclusivity across the tennis world.