But thanks to the International Wheel-chair Tennis Federation (IWTF), Ricky and Chantal have been able to pursue their tennis ambitions. They are the reigning men's and women's champions respectively of the hectic wheel-chair tennis circuit.

In January 1998, wheel-chair tennis received a boost when IWTF became a subsidiary of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Alison Hargreaves, till recently employed as promotion officer with IWTF, and currently holidaying in Mumbai after her feet ``itched to travel,'' told Indian Express

in an interview that ITF has major plans to bring wheel-chair tennis on par with tennis.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: How big is the wheel-chair tennis circuit?

A: We have 120 tournaments a year,and 54 countries have registered with us. There are nearly a 1000 players on the circuit, a majority of whom are victims of skiing and road accidents. The circuit has two Super Series events, akin to Grand Slams. Not in money, only in terms of points. These are held in Nottingham, Britain (July) and Irvine, California (October). We also have a ranking system, which lists the top 500 men and 200 women players.

Q: How different are the rules in wheel-chair tennis different from conventional tennis?

A: In wheel-chair tennis, the player is allowed to retrieve the ball after two bounces. The first bounce has to be on court. Otherwise, we follow the same rules.

Q: It must be difficult promoting the sport, especially in the wake of falling viewership for regular tennis.

A: It is. The Super Series offers prize money of just $ 20,000, which is on a par with some of the Satellite events. Wheel-chair manufacturers Invocare supports the Action World Championship, the ITWF version of the Davis Cup.Our main sponsor is NEC.

Q: Will ITWF becoming a subsidiary of ITF change things?

A: Yes. The circuit now has more weight. The ITF will also ensure, from 1999, that tennis and wheel-chair tennis associations in respective countries support each other. That will bring the two on par. Also from next year, the US Super Series will be held at Flushing Meadows, though not concurrently with US Open. The Australian Open is already being held at Flinder's Park. The image of the game is bound to improve.

Q: Has India any participation?

A: The response from AITA (All India Tennis Association) has been very poor. They have made promises but...Even the ITF, I have heard, is unhappy with AITA is promoting tennis here. There have been murmurs...but I don't know the details.