Britain celebrated a double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski finally captured the men’s doubles title. The day was marked by emotion, perseverance, and a touch of history for both players. Hewett’s victory was particularly moving.
After a dominant first set, he defeated Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda 6-0, 7-6 (7-5), thwarting the 20‑year‑old’s bid for a calendar Grand Slam. Overcome with emotion, Hewett broke down in tears on the court, a visible sign of the personal journey that led him back to the top.
The 28‑year‑old reflected on the challenges he faced earlier in the season, noting that Oda had bested him in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting,” Hewett said.
He recalled the disappointment at Wimbledon, describing it as “a tough one to swallow” and admitting that he took time off to reassess his mindset. “I had a hard, long look in the mirror about who I wanted to be on the tennis court and how I wanted to show up,” he explained.
“Today I didn’t care about the outcome. It was about being a little bit more like ‘Alfie’, showing the fight, the grit and the desire to play more fearlessly. I think the performance showed that.” This win marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, though it was his first since his 2023 triumph. It also complemented the doubles gold he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday, underscoring a remarkable week for the British wheelchair tennis star.
In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski, partnered with American Christian Harrison, overcame the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). The victory was especially sweet for Skupski, who had previously finished as runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice – once with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury the year before.
“I’m still in shock,” the 36‑year‑old admitted. “Losing twice and having match points last year was a tough part of my career, but it’s amazing what a year can do in tennis. This moment feels so special.” The ceremony was conducted by former champions Jamie Murray and his American partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the tenth anniversary of their own victory at the venue.
Skupski and Harrison’s partnership is still relatively new; they were only in their second tournament together when they captured the Australian Open title in January. Their success this season continued at Wimbledon, making them the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to claim both majors in a single calendar year. "It’s been a great year," Harrison said.
"To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." Beyond the headline results, the US Open weekend featured a host of other storylines. Fans wondered whether Aryna Sabalenka would chase a historic three‑peat or if newly crowned world No. 1 Elena Rybakina would secure her first New York title.
In the men’s draw, Ben Shelton’s upset of Frances Tiafoe set up a showdown with Alexander Zverev for the final on Sunday. The tournament also provided a comprehensive schedule of matches across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and other venues, with live coverage available on Sky Sports from August 30. Viewers could stream the action without a contract via NOW or the Sky Sports app, and the Laver Cup was slated to be broadcast from The O2 in London later in September. Overall, the British achievements at Flushing Meadows highlighted the depth of talent and resilience within the nation’s tennis ranks.
Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph both serve as reminders that perseverance, self‑reflection, and a willingness to adapt can lead to moments of glory on the sport’s biggest stages.