Lithuania’s greatest tennis player of all time, Ričardas Berankis, tried blind tennis for the first time at SEB Arena in Vilnius. The former world No. 50 took to the court with European blind tennis champion Karolis Verbliugevičius and admitted after the session that only by trying it himself did he realise just how much attention, focus and concentration the sport requires.
The short training session was held ahead of the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships, which will take place at SEB Arena from 24 to 29 August. More than 120 athletes from around 20 countries will compete for medals, with Karolis Verbliugevičius leading the Lithuanian team.
First with sight, then in complete darkness
At the start of the session, Berankis and Verbliugevičius exchanged a few shots under normal conditions. Later, Lithuania’s greatest tennis player experienced what blind tennis players face in every match – first playing with his eyes closed and then wearing special blackout glasses that completely eliminated his vision.
It proved to be a considerable challenge even for the most accomplished Lithuanian tennis player in history.
“I have the utmost respect for people who play blind tennis. None of us can imagine how difficult it is until we try it ourselves. I would even say that at certain moments it is difficult to comprehend,” Berankis said.
Nevertheless, his first attempts were more successful than he had expected.
“A few times I managed to return the ball and get it into the court. I can say that being in complete darkness greatly heightens all the other senses. You begin to experience many more sensations that help you orient yourself in space. You hear more and, I suppose, your vestibular system starts working differently,” said the long-time leader of the Lithuanian national team.
Professional experience helps, but darkness puts everyone on equal terms
Aidas Danilovas, one of the pioneers of blind tennis in Lithuania and coach of Karolis Verbliugevičius, says that professional tennis players are almost always surprised when they experience the sport for the first time.
“Most professional tennis players are left speechless when they try blind tennis for the first time. It looks one way from the outside, but everything changes the moment you put on the special glasses. Professional experience certainly helps. But in our sport, very different things are especially important – hearing, orientation, concentration and the ability to stay fully focused. Ričardas did a really good job of grasping the essence of the sport, and we were very pleased to receive such sincere support from him. I hope that after this training session even more people will come to the World Championships and see for themselves just how impressive blind tennis is,” Danilovas said.
Invites fans to support the Lithuanian team
After the training session, Berankis wished the Lithuanian national team success and invited sports fans not to miss the unique opportunity to see one of the world’s fastest-growing adaptive sports live.
“I wish Karolis and the entire Lithuanian team the very best of luck at the upcoming World Championships. I invite everyone to come and see this sport for themselves,” Berankis said.
The IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships will take place at SEB Arena in Vilnius from 24 to 29 August, bringing together around 120 athletes from approximately 20 countries. Lithuania will be represented by 14 players, including European champion Karolis Verbliugevičius, Justa Pažarauskas, Oksana Dobrovolskaja and Denas Damskis. Admission to all championship matches will be free.
