Rob Shaw to retire after Australian Open, join Tennis Canada in advisory role

TORONTO – Two-time Paralympian Rob Shaw, Canada’s most successful wheelchair tennis player, will retire following this year’s Australian Open, Tennis Canada announced.

Ina addition to his two Games appearances in 2021 and 2024, the 36-year-old from North Bay, Ont., won an historic gold at the 2019 Para Pan American Games in Lima and a silver medal four years later in Santiago.  

In Santiago, he was Canada’s co flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony with Para cyclist Shelley Gautier, who announced her retirement last month.

In Lima, he made Canadian tennis history by becoming the first player, in stand-up or wheelchair tennis, to win a multi-sport medal in singles competition.

Shaw produced that 2019 Parapan Am  title in grand style as well, defeating world number-one David Wagner of the U.S., a player he had never beaten before. 

Shaw will remain involved in the sport, joining Tennis Canada part-time as a Wheelchair Tennis High Performance Consultant while continuing his full-time work with Spinal Cord Injury BC.

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“As I say goodbye to life as a professional tennis player, I am incredibly proud of what I achieved,” Shaw said. “Tennis has shaped me both on and off the court, and I’m excited to give back to the sport and to the spinal cord injury community.”

Shaw competed primarily in the quad division and made his professional debut in 2013 at his home tournament, the Birmingham Wheelchair Tennis Classic.

He was injured in a diving accident at the age of 21, becoming partially paralyzed from the neck down

He went on to win 25 singles and 29 doubles ITF titles, the most combined titles by any Canadian player, and claimed 10 Birmingham Nationals crowns.

He reached a career-high No. 6 singles ranking and No. 3 in doubles in 2023. That season included runner-up finishes in doubles at the U.S. Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.

Shaw’s final tournament begins January 27 at the Australian Open, his 11th Grand Slam appearance.

In his new Tennis Canada role, Shaw will support athlete development within the national high-performance system. He has also served on the federation’s mental health committee since 2024.

Outside tennis, Shaw holds a PhD in health and exercise sciences and works in peer-support development for people with spinal cord injuries.