Welcome to Tennis Canada’s monthly mailbag for May 2025. This month, current ITF quad world No. 8 Rob Shaw talks about elements of the wheelchair tennis world, his favourite tournament, and shares some details about himself that may surprise fans.
Do you have a specific pre-game ritual or routine?
I have never been overly superstitious about my pregame routine or ritual. When I first started my career, I definitely had a set of activities I would do before a match, but I quickly learned that tennis match times can be very unpredictable unless you are first on. This then led me to be more flexible and adaptable in my routines and rituals to ensure I could prepare myself on a moment's notice.
Generally, I like to listen to music and visualize my strokes.
What is it like playing in a wheelchair on natural surfaces like grass and clay?
Playing on natural surfaces like clay and grass in a wheelchair can definitely be challenging. If the clay courts are of high quality, it is really enjoyable as we have the opportunity to sort of slide out like the standup players do. However, if the clay is really soft or has a heavy top layer, it can be gruelling to push through.
Read also: Monday Digest - Andreescu Beats Fernandez for WTA 125 Catalonia Doubles Title
Grass, regardless of quality, is really difficult and by far my least favourite surface. I had the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon once in my career, and despite the nostalgia, I really didn’t enjoy the surface.
What is the tournament you want to win the most?
I am very fortunate that I have already won the tournament that I always wanted to win as a player. The tournament is called the Birmingham Open and is our largest tournament held in Canada. It was the first tournament I ever played in a wheelchair and it took me over five years before I finally claimed the title.
Dream doubles player (past or present) you would want to play with?
I have had the opportunity to play with so many amazing doubles partners over my career. I guess the one player I never had the opportunity to properly compete with is Sarah Hunter. Unfortunately, she was ending her career as mine was just starting but I believe that if our careers had overlapped, we would have been competing for Paralympic medals and Grand Slam titles.
If you weren't a pro athlete, what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Unbeknownst to many people, I am not just a professional tennis player. I completed my PhD [in Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia] a few years ago and now have a part-time job at a disability nonprofit called SCIBC. There I lead a team of individuals across Canada with the goal of improving the delivery of peer support services for people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities.
Read also: Sabalenka Continues Impressive Season in Madrid
I really enjoy having those two identities and I find keeping my mind busy away from the court has been beneficial for my tennis career.
What advice would you give someone in a wheelchair who is looking to pick up a sport?
Whenever I get approached by a new athlete, or someone who has a new disability, I always encourage them to try as many sports as they can. Tennis is not for everyone and there are so many other amazing adapted sports out there.
Read also: Diallo’s Madrid Run Ends in Quarter-Finals Against Musetti
Obviously I would love it if everyone wanted to play tennis, but I think it’s vastly more important that people engage in sport and activities regardless of which one it is.
Feature Photo : Tennis Canada
