Ivan has been visually impaired since birth due to a rare connective tissue disorder that caused dislocated lenses in both eyes (ectopia lentis). However, from a young age, Ivan has refused to let his disability define him or limit his dreams.

He began playing mainstream tennis at the age of 9 at his local club and fell in love with the sport. However, as the pace of the game increased with age, Ivan found it increasingly difficult to track the ball. Determined to continue playing, his family began searching for alternatives — and discovered visually impaired (VI) tennis: an adapted version of the game using a slightly larger, slower sponge ball that makes a sound when it bounces.

Ivan attended a local "Have-a-Go" day and, for the first time, was able to compete on a level playing field. He quickly made his mark — winning the inaugural Tennis Foundation Junior Visually Impaired Tennis Festival and earning an invitation to join the national VI tennis circuit.

Fast forward to 2025, and Ivan is now a decorated VI tennis player with success both nationally and internationally. Despite limited resources, he has claimed over 30 titles in singles and doubles, including:

• 2 consecutive Wimbledon Titles

• 2025 European Championships

• 2025 Italian Open

• 6 consecutive National Singles Titles

• 5 National Doubles Titles

Ivan has proudly held the title of GB No. 1 since 2019. In 2023, he was selected to represent Great Britain at both the IBSA World Games and the World Championships, where he won two silver medals (singles) and one bronze (doubles). In 2025, he received the Herts Tennis Outstanding Achievement Award.

But despite his remarkable achievements, Ivan continues to face significant barriers. Unlike mainstream or wheelchair tennis, visually impaired tennis receives very little support. There are:

• ❌ No training facilities provided by the governing body

• ❌ No regular coaching provided by the governing body

• ❌ No prize money at any level

• ❌ Very limited sponsorship opportunities

This means that everything — from equipment to coaching and travel — must be self-funded.

VI tennis balls, for example, cost £10 each and last only a few sessions given their fragility. Ivan often relies on generous club members for practice matches and stretches every bit of funding he can find for occasional coaching sessions. But at the top level, competing against international players receiving far more support, this simply isn’t enough.

That’s where you come in.

This year, Ivan has been given the opportunity of a lifetime - he has been invited as one of the top eight men's VI players in the world to compete at the Australian Open 2026 — the first Grand Slam in history to include visually impaired (VI) tennis as part of the main event.

This isn’t just a major career milestone for him, but a landmark moment for British tennis, for VI athletes, and for the future of disability sport worldwide.

Your donations will go towards:

Any surplus funding will go towards future training and tournament costs.

Your support will help Ivan:

With your help, Ivan can continue his journey, proudly represent GB on the world stage and bring back a grand slam for GB!

Let’s come together to support this incredible athlete. Together, we can make history for VI tennis — and prove just how far belief, determination, and community support can take an athlete.

Let’s help Ivan make GB proud!