The All England Club announced today that Wimbledon will feature wheelchair tennis singles events for men and women from The Championships 2016.

Richard Lewis, Chief Executive of The All England Club, said: “Spectators and audiences of Wimbledon have been enjoying wheelchair doubles for 10 years and, on this tenth anniversary, we are delighted to be announcing the creation of these new singles events for wheelchair tennis players. I am sure they will be a popular addition and welcomed by the players and fans alike.”

Defending Wimbledon doubles champion Jordanne Whiley, said: “I’m really pleased that there will be a singles tournament at Wimbledon next year. I love playing at Wimbledon and am already looking forward to playing both singles and doubles in 2016. It will be tough on the grass but it is a challenge the players will take on. This is a great opportunity to showcase our sport at the highest level.”

World No.1 Shingo Kunieda, two-time Paralympic men’s singles gold medallist at London 2012 and Beijing 2008 and three-times Wimbledon doubles champion, said: “I am looking forward to playing singles. Playing singles on grass will be a hard test for us, but I know we can put on a great competition for everyone.”