Britain celebrated a 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. Both victories highlighted the resilience and determination of the two athletes, each overcoming personal setbacks to stand atop the podium. Hewett’s emotional win came after a commanding 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) victory over Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, a result that denied the 20‑year‑old a chance at a calendar Grand Slam.
The British champion broke down in tears as he reflected on his journey. "It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting," he said in the post‑match interview.
"The Wimbledon loss was a tough one to swallow. I definitely left that match 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 continued, "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." The 28‑year‑old’s words underscored a mental shift that helped him dominate the final, especially after being bested by Oda in the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier in the year. This US Open victory marks Hewett’s fifth title at Flushing Meadows, his first since 2023, and pairs nicely with the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski, teamed with American partner Christian Harrison, overcame the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).
The win was especially sweet for Skupski, who had previously finished runner‑up at the US Open twice – once with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury last year. "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." Harrison, who is only in his second tournament partnering Skupski, added, "It’s been a great year.
To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home makes it even more special." Their partnership had already yielded a Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January, and by adding a Wimbledon title earlier this season, they became the fourth men’s doubles duo since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to claim both major titles in the same calendar year. The ceremony was presented by former British doubles great Jamie Murray and his former partner Bruno Soares, who commemorated the tenth anniversary of their own US Open triumph. Their presence underscored the continuity of British success in doubles competition over the past decade.
Beyond the headline matches, the US Open coverage on Sky Sports featured a range of related stories: Novak Djokovic’s anticipated return to the ATP China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, Sky Sports’ three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through 2030, and Alexander Zverev’s bold claim that he is currently the world’s best player, a statement that set up a dramatic showdown with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz later in the tournament. Zverev later fulfilled his promise by defeating Ben Shelton in the men’s final, ending the American’s dream run in four sets and securing the championship. The tournament’s schedule, draws, and real‑time results were widely followed, with live scores and commentary available through Sky Sports, the NOW streaming platform, and the Sky Sports app, offering fans flexible ways to stay updated without a contract. The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season, continued to draw global attention as it unfolded at Flushing Meadows in New York.
The event also highlighted the growing popularity of wheelchair tennis, with Hewett’s emotional victory serving as a reminder of the sport’s competitive depth and the inspiring stories behind its athletes. Looking ahead, the Laver Cup is set to take place at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, with Sky Sports once again providing live coverage.
The tournament promises to bring together the world’s top players for a showcase of team spirit and high‑level tennis, further cementing the sport’s year‑round appeal. Overall, Saturday’s results encapsulated the spirit of perseverance that defines elite tennis.
Both Hewett and Skupski demonstrated that setbacks can be transformed into motivation, leading to moments of triumph that will be remembered by fans and fellow competitors alike. Their achievements not only add to Britain’s rich tennis legacy but also inspire the next generation of players to chase their own dreams on the world stage.