Sport
8 August, 2025
Elite wheelchair tennis
TENNIS aficionados will have the chance to watch two elite wheelchair tennis players in action next week, before they head to the US Open.
Local superstar Ben Wenzel, recently ranked No. 16 in the world men’s open quad division, and Olympic gold medallist Heath Davidson, ranked 13th in the world, will hold an exhibition match at Clifton Beach Tennis Club next Thursday (August 14).
“Ben will be heading off to make his men’s open debut at the Grand Slam US Open,” personal tennis coach Fred Lay said.
“He’s always wanted to be a professional player,” he said.
Heath Davidson was also a “legend” who had played with Australian of the Year and sporting star Dylan Alcott as his doubles partner.
“It’s a very exciting event and it’s an honour to have Heath come up and play,” said Mr Lay, who has been coaching Mr Wenzel privately since he was 10.
He said he had his progression through the tennis world with Tennis Australia, (which manages his training) and he had far exceeded early expectations.
The transition to adults – now that Mr Wenzel was 18 – was transformative, with his performance at the World Team Wheelchair Championships “when he really excelled”.
“He played the world No. 7 and the world No. 4 and beat them and a month ago in Switzerland he won the doubles there, and got to the quarter finals, which lifted his ranking to 16,” Mr Lay said.
“I’m very proud of what he’s achieved and now another journey is just beginning for him.
“It’s a little kid’s dream come true, like a fairy tale, but with a lot of very hard work on the way.”
Mr Wenzel opted to stay in FNQ to train instead of Melbourne, so it made sense to hold the match locally.
“I chose Clifton Beach because it is a community court, which are often not recognised,” Mr Lay said.
The exhibition match begins at 5pm, on Thursday, August 14, and includes a meet and greet at 4pm, and a sausage sizzle and refreshments following the match.
