Until now, only wheelchair doubles had been played at the venue in London famous for its grass courts. 

“Spectators and audiences of Wimbledon have been enjoying wheelchair doubles for 10 years and, on this tenth anniversary, we are delighted to be announcing the creation of these new singles events for wheelchair tennis players," said Richard Lewis, chief executive of The All England Club. 

"I am sure they will be a popular addition and welcomed by the players and fans alike."

Britain's Jordanne Whiley, who yesterday won her second consecutive ladies' wheelchair doubles title with Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, was among to express her delight at the new addition to the calendar. 

“I’m really pleased that there will be a singles tournament at Wimbledon next year," she said.

"I love playing at Wimbledon and am already looking forward to playing both singles and doubles in 2016.

"It will be tough on the grass but it is a challenge the players will take on.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our sport at the highest level.”

World number one Shingo Kunieda, a two-time Paralympic men’s singles gold medallist at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and three-times Wimbledon doubles champion, also welcomed The All England Club's decision. 

“I am looking forward to playing singles," said the Japanese player. 

"Playing singles on grass will be a hard test for us, but I know we can put on a great competition for everyone.”

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July 2015: Whiley and Kamiji retain Wimbledon ladies' wheelchair doubles crown with hard-fought victory over Dutch rivals
July 2015: Wimbledon ladies' wheelchair doubles final to be re-match of last year
June 2015: Defending champions lead entries for Wimbledon Wheelchair Tennis Doubles