Google Celebrates Wheelchair Tennis at 2024 Paris Paralympics with Animated Doodle

Google Doodle Today, Wheelchair Tennis Paralympics: The doodle shows two birds playing the sport in a wheelchair in a pristine Parisian garden.

As the 2024 Paris Paralympics captivate audiences globally, Google marked the wheelchair tennis event on Tuesday with a creative doodle featuring animated birds. The playful illustration depicts two birds engaging in a wheelchair tennis match within the picturesque Parisian gardens of Jardin du Palais Royal or Jardin des Tuileries. The search giant shared the doodle with the caption, “Ace attitudes and stellar serves. Wheelchair Tennis starts today at Stade Roland-Garros!”

The wheelchair tennis competition at the 2024 Summer Paralympics began on August 30 and will run through September 7 at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium, renowned for its clay courts. The tournament includes singles and doubles matches across the men’s, women’s, and quads categories.

On Sunday, athletes Alfie Hewett (Great Britain), Martin De La Puente (Spain), Todiko Oda (Japan), and Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina) advanced to the last 16, showcasing their prowess in a variety of match styles.

Wheelchair tennis, introduced at the Barcelona Paralympic Games in 1992, is now featured at all four Grand Slam tournaments. According to the International Tennis Federation, the Wheelchair Tennis Tour encompasses over 150 events worldwide.

The sport categorizes athletes into two classes: the open class for those with permanent impairment in one or both legs but normal arm function, and the quad class for those with additional impairments in their playing arm, affecting racquet handling and wheelchair mobility.