Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as two of its leading tennis figures lifted trophies in separate events. Alfie Hewett reclaimed the wheelchair singles crown, while Neal Skupski, alongside his partner Christian Harrison, captured the men’s doubles title for the first time in his career. Hewett’s victory was an emotional one. After dispatching Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a commanding 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) scoreline, the 28‑year‑old British champion broke down in tears.
The win not only denied Oda the chance to complete a calendar‑year Grand Slam—a feat that would have made him the first to hold all four major titles in a single season—but also marked a personal redemption for Hewett. Earlier in the year, Oda had bested him in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, leaving Hewett with a lingering sense of unfinished business. Reflecting on his journey, Hewett spoke candidly about the mental and emotional challenges he had faced. "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 Wimbledon, describing it as "a tough one to swallow" and admitting that the loss prompted him to take a step back, reevaluate his approach, and ask himself who he wanted to be 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," he explained. In the final, however, Hewett said he was playing for something deeper than the result itself. "Today I didn’t care about the outcome.
It was about being a little bit more like ‘Alfie’ and showing the fight, the grit, and the desire to go out and play a bit more fearless. I think the performance showed that," he added. The win marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, though it was his first since 2023. It also complemented the doubles trophy he secured with long‑time partner Gordon Reid just a day earlier, underscoring a truly historic weekend for British wheelchair tennis.
The men’s doubles final featured a compelling narrative of perseverance and partnership. Neal Skupski, 36, teamed with American youngster Christian Harrison to overcome the German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, prevailing 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). For Skupski, the victory was especially sweet; he had been a runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice before—once in 2022 with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof and again last year alongside fellow Briton Joe Salisbury.
The disappointment of falling short, especially after holding match points in the previous year’s final, had weighed heavily on him. "I’m still in shock," Skupski admitted after the match.
"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." His words captured the sense of relief and joy that had been building over months of hard work and near‑misses.
Harrison, who was only in his second tournament with Skupski after their Australian Open triumph in January, expressed astonishment at their rapid success. "It’s been a great year," he said.
"To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." Their partnership, forged just months earlier, had already produced a rare achievement: 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 majors in the same calendar year. The ceremony was overseen by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his former partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the tenth 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 present.
Beyond the headline matches, the US Open weekend featured a host of other notable storylines. Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus, a development highlighted by Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports secured a three‑year extension of its US Open broadcasting rights, ensuring coverage through 2030. On the men’s side, top seed Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim, warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that he considered himself the world’s best player. Zverev later lived up to his confidence by defeating Ben Shelton in the final, clinching the title in four sets. For fans seeking live action, the US Open continued to be streamed on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional options available via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, all without the need for a long‑term contract.
The tournament also served as a springboard for other events, such as the Laver Cup, which would be held at London’s O2 Arena from September 25‑27 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. In summary, Saturday’s results underscored a day of British triumphs at one of tennis’s most prestigious stages.
Alfie Hewett’s emotional reclaiming of the wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski’s long‑awaited men’s doubles victory highlighted the resilience, dedication, and talent present in British tennis today. Their successes not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also inspired a new generation of players watching from the stands and from home.