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 historic milestones for the two athletes and their compatriots. In the wheelchair singles final, Hewett faced Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, a 20‑year‑old who had been on a quest to complete a calendar Grand Slam. The British champion delivered a dominant performance, opening with a flawless 6‑0 set before edging a tense second set 7‑6, winning the tiebreak 7‑5.
Overcome with emotion, Hewett broke down in tears after the victory, aware that his win had denied Oda the chance to become the first player to sweep all four majors in a single year. The 28‑year‑old reflected on the journey that led him back to the top of the podium. He explained that the season had forced him into a period of intense self‑examination after disappointing defeats at the French Open and Wimbledon, both at the hands of Oda.
"It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting," Hewett said. He described the Wimbledon loss as "a tough one to swallow," admitting that it prompted him to take a brief break and conduct "a hard, long look in the mirror" about his identity on court and the way he wanted to present himself.
Hewett emphasized that his mindset for the US Open final was different. "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 play a bit more fearlessly.
I think the performance showed that," he added. This victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, his first since 2023, and complemented the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday, underscoring a truly exceptional week for the British wheelchair tennis contingent. In the men’s doubles competition, Neal Skupski partnered with American Christian Harrison to defeat 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 Flushing Meadows twice – first with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023. "I’m still in shock," the 36‑year‑old said 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 can do in tennis.
This moment feels so special." The trophy ceremony was presented by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his American 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 occasion. Harrison and Skupski’s partnership is still in its infancy – the Australian Open in January was only their second tournament together, yet they had already claimed that Grand Slam title. By also seizing the Wimbledon crown earlier in the summer, they became the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to win both majors 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 broader US Open coverage on Sky Sports featured several notable storylines. Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus was highlighted, as was Sky Sports’ three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through 2030. Alexander Zverev, the top seed, issued a bold claim that he was currently the world’s best player and later went on to defeat Ben Shelton in the men’s final, ending the American’s hopes for a home‑soil triumph.
For fans following the tournament, live scores, updates, commentary and results were available via Sky Sports, the NOW streaming service, and the Sky Sports app, offering contract‑free access to the action. The Laver Cup, scheduled for 25‑27 September at The O2 in London, was also set to be broadcast on Sky Sports, further cementing the network’s role as a primary destination for high‑profile tennis events. Overall, Saturday’s outcomes highlighted the depth of British talent across both wheelchair and able‑bodied tennis.
Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles triumph not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also reinforced the United Kingdom’s growing prominence on the global tennis stage. The victories will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players, both on the court and in wheelchair sport, as they look to emulate the perseverance, skill, and determination displayed by these champions.