About Andrew

Wheelchair tennis player hitting forehand on a clay court, wearing a blue shirt, white cap, and using a yellow tennis racket; BMW and Lotto Bayern branding in the background.

Andrew Penney is a professional wheelchair tennis player from Hampshire, UK, currently ranked in the top 25 worldwide in both singles and doubles. His journey in the sport is one of resilience, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Having overcome significant physical and mental challenges, Andrew has risen through the ranks of international wheelchair tennis, competing on some of the biggest stages. With a passion for the game and an unwavering drive, he continues to push his limits, with his sights set on the LA2028 Paralympic Games and Grand Slam success.

ABOUT


Before his illness, Andrew played multiple sports, including county-level tennis. In 2018, a minor toenail operation left him unable to walk, in extreme pain, and was later diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Allodynia. His condition led to severe mental health struggles and complete memory loss, requiring him to relearn basic skills like speaking, reading, and writing.

Seeking an accessible sport, Andrew discovered wheelchair tennis at Portsmouth Tennis Centre and quickly progressed. By late 2019, he reached the junior singles and doubles finals at the National Finals and played his first international tournament in early 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he trained hard, making his overseas junior ITF debut in 2021 and entering Men’s ITF events later that year.

TENNIS CAREER


The Journey So Far…


Tried Wheelchair Tennis for the First Time in Portsmouth, UK 2019

Person in a wheelchair playing tennis indoors, wearing sports attire and holding a tennis racket.

2020 First ITF Junior Competition

Person in a wheelchair playing tennis on a clay court, holding a tennis racket, wearing athletic clothing and a cap.

Young athlete in a wheelchair holding a tennis racket, wearing a navy blue shirt and cap, with tennis balls attached to the wheelchair wheels.

First ITF Mens Competition 2021

2022 First ITF2 Doubles Title

Two young men holding first place trophies, one sitting in a wheelchair and the other standing with a prosthetic leg, outdoors with a sunset in the background.

Participated in the Inaurgoral Junior US Open 2022

Wheelchair tennis player in action, hitting a ball with a racket on a tennis court, wearing a red shirt and black cap.

2023 First ITF Men’s Singles Title

Person in a wheelchair holding a trophy, wearing a white shirt and cap, in front of a blue background with "Boissons Corbo SA" written on it.

First ITF3 Singles Title 2024

A wheelchair tennis player holding a plaque for winning the 2024 Men's Open Singles Champion at the ITF JTCC Wheelchair Championships. He is seated in a wheelchair on a tennis court with various flags in the background.

2024 Career High ITF Men’s Singles Ranking #26

First ITF Doubles Masters 2024