TOLEDO, Ohio -  Former University of Toledo women's tennis player Thalita Rodrigues will be performing an adaptive standing tennis demonstration before the Western & Southern Open women's and men's finals from noon until 1:30 p.m. in Mason, Ohio on Sunday. 
 
"This is an amazing opportunity for Thalita to display her skills at a professional tennis event," said head coach Tracy Mauntler. "Because her demo is immediately before the women's and men's final, I expect for there to be a huge crowd.  I am so proud of what Thalita has accomplished here at Toledo and I feel so fortunate that she played for our program. She is and will continue to be an inspiration to everyone she meets."

Rodrigues was born without part of her left arm because of a viral infection her mother suffered during pregnancy. As a result, she was forced to adapt all parts of her game.
 
"Throughout my career I have been accompanied by the best tennis players, who made me shine, have opened my eyes, and helped me dream big," said Rodrigues. "It is amazing to see athletes overcome challenges, and how, even with their difficulties and barriers, they have been able to achieve their dreams. The new category, adaptive standing tennis, brings a motivational concept to the sport. I'm very happy to be part of this. It's very gratifying to be able to do a demonstration in Cincinnati, where I can motivate people to play tennis no matter their physical condition." 
 
As a senior, Rodrigues went 8-4 (5-2 MAC) in dual match singles play from primarily the No. 5 court. The Brasilia, Brazil, native clinched the Rockets' match point against Southeast Missouri State in the Redbird Invitational (Feb. 23), helping them advance to the finals against Illinois State. Following Toledo's victory over Illinois State in the championship match, Rodrigues was named tournament MVP. Rodrigues posted a 12-4 (4-2 MAC) dual match doubles record from the No. 2 court, including a win over nationally ranked Lynn. 
 
During the 2017-18 season, Rodrigues went 9-6 (5-3 MAC) on primarily the No. 6 singles court. In doubles play, Rodrigues went 12-9 (3-4 MAC), splitting time on the No. 2 and No. 3 courts. Prior to Toledo, Rodrigues played at Seward Community College, where she was crowned the Region VI Tournament No. 2 singles champion and No. 2 doubles champion in 2016. 
 
According to the USTA, adaptive standing tennis is a category of tennis for individuals with a physical disability, such as amputees, Cerebral Palsy, or hemi-paralysis, who wish to play ambulatory tennis instead of using a wheelchair. Houston, Texas hosted the first international US TAP Open in 2016. More information on adaptive standing tennis can be found here. 
 
USTA Western & Southern Open 
Lindner Family Tennis Center | Mason, Ohio
Sunday, August 16 Schedule 
 
12:00 p.m. - Adaptive Standing Tennis Demonstration 
2:00 p.m. - Women's Final
4:00 p.m. - Men's Final