The UNIQLO Interview: Jin Woodman
Tenacious Aussie Jin Woodman is the new kid on the block in wheelchair tennis and, after a breakthrough period which has seen him chalk up some eye-catching victories, he is shaking up the quad division.
Still only 17, Woodman returned from the European swing of the UNQILO Wheelchair Tennis Tour with some shiny new silverware from the Lexus Eastbourne Open for his trophy cabinet.
But it was some of the wins along the way that forced people to sit up and take particular notice. In successive tournaments, the teenager outwitted quad division heavyweights Sam Schroder and Niels Vink – quite the feat.
So, there is a new name for fans of wheelchair tennis to follow and get excited about, but who is this pugnacious operator with dreams of making a sizeable impact on some of the sport’s biggest stages? And where has he come from?
“I had been playing wheelchair basketball before one day picking up a racket at a disability fair at Federation Square in Melbourne,” said Woodman, who was adopted by Australian parents after being born in China.
“Then I came to play with Crumpy [Greg Crump] at a ‘come and try’ day at the National Tennis Centre where I also met Heath Davidson. Heath brought along his medals from the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro to show me.
“This is how I started playing wheelchair tennis. I was seven when I met Heath, while a year later I was lucky enough to have a hit with Dylan Alcott.
“I was then part of the Kids on Court programme at the 2018 Australian Open and tossed the coin for Heath and Andy Lapthorne before watching Dylan play and win.
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“That same year, Dylan started the Dylan Alcott Foundation and I was the first grant recipient and got given a new tennis wheelchair. These experiences gave me the inspiration to train and compete.”
Past players and those who have achieved great things in wheelchair tennis have clearly been hugely inspirational to Woodman during his formative years.
Seeing the passing of batons and the encouraging of new players, some of whom may well evolve into the stars of tomorrow, to pick up a racket is what World Tennis is all about – and it is fantastic to see.
Perhaps this is particularly relevant as we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of wheelchair tennis during 2026 and look forward to shaping the coming years and improving the sport for future generations.
“The sport and its professionalism are growing each year, and I am getting the benefits of an amazing UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, so I thank the past players and those who have gone before me,” added Woodman.
“Dylan, Heath, Wags [David Wagner], Lappo [Andy Lapthorne], Shingo [Kunieda] and Danni di Toro were all players that I saw, learnt about and was able to meet during my early days.
“I have also started to learn more about some of the founders of wheelchair tennis and other players who have done so much to get the sport to where it is today – the likes of Brad Parks and David Hall.”
Back to the present – and future. Woodman remains the No.1-ranked player in the Cruyff Junior Boys’ Rankings but also finds himself at No. 5 in the senior quad singles rankings, above some of the players he has cited as role models.
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“Even though I am only 17, I’ve been competing against open-age players for a couple of years and have played and won against Top 4-16 players consistently,” said Woodman, who has a genetic condition that affects his nerves.
“I feel that I have a good chance now when I come to play in a high-ranked tournament. Whereas before it was a shock to get a win, now it is expected.
“I had a breakthrough win over world No. 2 Sam Schroder at Eastbourne while playing in England on grass. I really enjoyed it. It was very hard to push on grass, but it gave me the chance to use my skills further.
“In terms of Sam, I had only previously taken one set off him, while winning that event was also my first win at an integrated tournament. I then backed that up with victory over world No. 1 Niels Vink. That showed I could be consistent and bring my best tennis.”
Given his age, high-profile victories and achievements at such an early stage of his career, Woodman would appear to have a bright future and high ceiling.
He would, however, concede there is a long road ahead. Woodman is yet to go beyond the quarter-finals in singles competition at a Grand Slam, although he will have another chance to do so at the US Open Wheelchair Championships, which get underway on 8 September.
Also on the horizon is the LA2028 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event and four years later the Paralympic Games in Brisbane, which would obviously pique the interest of anyone of a green and gold persuasion.
“I want to enjoy playing, improve and compete more,” added Woodman. “I want to compete against top players such as Niels and Sam and hopefully win some major tournaments.
“Also, ever since I saw Heath’s Rio medals, I have wanted to get to the Paralympic Games. I was close to playing at Paris2024 but now I’m looking forward to Los Angeles and the home Paralympics in 2032.
“I see myself as Australian and have been proud to represent my nation at World Team Cups as a junior. I am looking forward to next month’s World Team Cup in the United States having missed out last year through injury.
“I still have strong feelings for my birthplace China, but I do see myself as Australian.”
Woodman is a young man with the world at his feet – keep a close eye on him.