Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown while Neal Skupski finally captured the men’s doubles title. The day was filled with emotion, drama, and a sense of redemption for both champions.
In the wheelchair singles final, a tearful Hewett overcame Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a straight‑sets victory, 6‑0, 7‑6 (7‑5). The win denied the 20‑year‑old Oda the chance to complete a calendar Grand Slam, a feat that would have made him the first player to hold all four major titles in a single season in the wheelchair division. After the match, Hewett broke down in tears, a visible sign of the pressure and personal journey that had led him to this moment. Reflecting on his performance, the 28‑year‑old spoke candidly about the mental and emotional work that preceded his resurgence.
"It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting," he said. He recalled the disappointment of his Wimbledon loss earlier in the year, describing it as "a tough one to swallow" and admitting that he had taken a short break to reassess his goals and mindset on the court. "I definitely came away from that one with a lot of regret, took some time off and 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," Hewett explained. Hewett’s renewed focus paid off on the day of the final.
"Today I didn’t care about the outcome. It was about being a little bit more like ‘Alfie’ and showing the fight and showing the grit and the desire to go out and play a bit more fearless. I think the performance showed that," he added. This victory marked his fifth US Open singles title, but his first since 2023, and it complemented the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid the previous day, underscoring a weekend of British dominance at Flushing Meadows.
On the men’s doubles side, Neal Skupski, paired with American partner Christian Harrison, defeated the German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6‑4, 7‑6 (8‑6). The win was especially sweet for Skupski, who had finished as runner‑up at the US Open twice before—once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023. "I’m still in shock.
Losing twice and having match points last year was a tough part of my career, but it’s amazing what a year does in tennis. This moment feels so special," Skupski said after the match. The victory also highlighted the rapid chemistry between Skupski and Harrison.
The pair were only in their second tournament together when they captured the Australian Open title earlier in the year, and they have now added a US Open crown to their résumé. By also winning Wimbledon, they became the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to claim both major titles in the same calendar year.
"It’s been a great year," Harrison remarked. "To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." The ceremony was presented by former British doubles great Jamie Murray and his Brazilian partner Bruno Soares, who were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their own US Open victory. Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition to the proceedings, linking past British successes with the current generation. Beyond the British triumphs, the tournament continued to deliver high‑profile storylines.
Top seed Alexander Zverev overcame American Ben Shelton in a four‑set men’s final, while Elena Rybakina dethroned two‑time champion Aryna Sabalenka to cement her position as world No. 1.
The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season, offered a packed schedule across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the newly renovated Grandstand courts. For fans in the United Kingdom, live coverage began on Sky Sports on August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app without a contract. The tournament’s excitement extended beyond tennis, as the Laver Cup was slated to be held at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports.
Overall, the weekend showcased British resilience and the rewards of perseverance. Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles victory provided a narrative of redemption that resonated with audiences worldwide, while the broader tournament continued to deliver world‑class tennis and memorable moments for fans of the sport.