The USA has two new trailblazers in adaptive sports: Jessica Gonzalez and Dante Alejandro who have officially earned world rankings following their participation at last year’s IBTA World Championships in Italy. Their achievements mark a major milestone for blind tennis in the USA, proving that dedication and skill know no boundaries.
Both Gonzalez and Alejandro were born legally blind. They have overcome significant challenges to rise in the sport, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and determination. Jessica trains at the Gold River Sports Club in California and Dante trains at the Blind Tennis Cazares academy in Texas. Gonzalez is ranked # 12 in the world in the B2 Women category and Alejandro is ranked # 6 in the B2 Men category.
In Paralympic sports, the B2 classification encompasses individuals who can only perceive light or hand movements and have very limited visual acuity or a severely restricted visual field. In Blind Tennis, classification categories range from B1, B2, B3 to B4 with B1 being the most severe vision impairment class which encompasses individuals with total blindness.
After discovering blind tennis in 2023, Jessica Gonzalez trained relentlessly and is now playing on a weekly basis. Her consistent serves and quick reflexes have earned her a Top 15 spot in the IBTA women’s rankings, making her the first American woman to represent the USA in international competition.
“Tennis gave me back my confidence,” Gonzalez said. “When I’m on the court, I feel empowered.”
Dante Alejandro, discovered tennis as a teenager but found his true calling in blind tennis. Known for his strategic play and consistent groundstrokes, he has become a fierce competitor in international competitions.
“This sport changed my life,” Alejandro shared. “It’s not just about winning—it’s about showing the world what we’re capable of.”
Alejandro now holds a Top 10 IBTA world ranking, solidifying his status as one of the best B2 blind tennis players in the world. He won a bronze medal at the 2023 IBSA World Games that took place in Birmingham, UK and reached the semi-final at the 2024 IBTA World Championships that were held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy.
As the IBTA continues to expand, the dream of Paralympic inclusion for blind tennis gains momentum. With rising stars like Gonzalez and Alejandro leading the charge, the next generation of athletes in the United States will have role models to look up to.