...and tries to become a world champion

Adam Hills is making a new documentary about the sport of para-standing tennis - which could become a future Paralympic event.

In Foot Fault, the comedian will look at the campaign to publicise the sport, which is designed for disabled tennis players who can’t or don’t want to take part in a wheelchair.

Hills – who was a professional tennis coach before becoming a stand-up comic – said: ‘At the moment the world of tennis feels like a building with an entrance for able-bodied people and an entrance for people in wheelchairs, but nothing for anyone in between. 

‘I've spent years searching for a way to play tennis against people like me, and at the age of 53 time may be running out. I want to play para-standing tennis while I can, but I also want to make sure there's a way for kids with disabilities to be able to play the sport they love, on a level playing field. I've got a pretty loud microphone, and I intend to use it.’ 

The hour-long documentary – being made by Noah Media Group for Sky Documentaries –  will see the comedian visit famous tennis locations, playing with former Grand Slam winners and looking at the barriers faced by aspiring players with disabilities who want to compete at the highest level.

And he sets out to become a world champion himself, saying: ‘Being a comedian is all about having ridiculous ideas, then seeing how far you can take them.’

Here's a video he made for the Lawn Tennis Association promoting the sport:

Hills, who was born without a right foot, previously made the documentary Take His Legs, about the Warrington Wolves physical disability rugby league team, and a sequel Grow Another Foot, as well as  Amputating Alice, a documentary about British Paralympic swimmer Alice Tai.

More details of para standing tennis are available here.

Published: 13 Jun 2024