Learning disability tennis star Dominic Iannotti sets sights on silverware at 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships

Previous II-1 men's world No. 1, Dominic Iannotti, will be one of seven players representing Britain at the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships. This event is now a regular part of the international tennis schedule.

Between September 7th and 15th, the city of Annecy in southeastern France will welcome top tennis players with intellectual disabilities from around the world to compete for medals in a prestigious tournament.

Iannotti, who has Asperger's Syndrome, has had a successful career so far. He is about to face his next challenge in a few weeks and he is determined to continue his quest for winning awards.

The talented individual from Prestwick discovered his love for the sport at a young age, not knowing that he would later achieve recognition on an international level. Turning 27 recently, he has become a key player on the LTA’s GB Learning Disability team, maintaining the top spot in the world rankings for three years in a row.

"What initially attracted me to tennis were the chances to participate and compete at both the local and global levels," Iannotti explained. "Being involved in the LTA Learning Disability tennis program has truly shaped me into the person I am today."

I feel very lucky because playing tennis has given me the opportunity to see different parts of the world and to proudly represent my country, which is always a great privilege.

The 2019 INAS Global Games left a lasting impression on the British athlete as he reflected on his career highlights. He managed to win four medals during the event, with two of them being gold. These victories came in the II-1 men's singles, men's doubles, men's team event, and mixed doubles categories in Australia.

When reflecting on the 2019 tennis season, I can confidently say it was my most successful year yet. It wasn't just about the outcomes, but also the significant progress I made in my skills by competing in numerous matches.

"Since that time, I feel like I have grown a great deal not only as an athlete but also as an individual, both during games and in my personal life. I am now capable of providing guidance to the younger members of the team, and as we get closer to the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships, I aim to continue this support."

The retired athlete, who won gold four times in the past, had another significant moment during the 2024 season when he found out he was chosen to compete at Queen's Club in London.

Iannotti was a standout player among a group of high-ranking British and international players at the ATP's yearly event in West Kensington for the cinch Championships. The event featured exhibitions to display the different formats of the game.

Supported by fans in their home country during the summer season, the fourth-ranked player in the world and five other top LD tennis stars, such as Archie Graham and Mitchell James from Australia, faced the challenging and quick conditions of the grass courts. They competed on the same courts where many legends of the sport have previously played.

"I believe this initiative has been long overdue in the UK," stated the GB national. "I'm happy that we had the chance to compete on the same courts as the professional players. It was also a fantastic opportunity to highlight the top learning disability tennis players in the world."

I hope to have more chances to be included in upcoming big events in the UK.

Iannotti has played a key role in Great Britain's achievements in recent years, and as the seventh edition of the Virtus World Championships approaches, he will aim to reach new heights in his pursuit of the gold medal.

Are you feeling motivated by Iannotti's story?

Discover more about learning disability tennis and how you can participate, whether you dream of being the next Iannotti or simply want to enjoy the game with friends.