Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski captured the men’s doubles title for the first time. Hewett’s emotional victory came after a dominant 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) win over Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, a result that denied the 20‑year‑old a coveted calendar Grand Slam.
The British champion, visibly moved, broke down in tears as he reflected on the journey that led him back to the top of the podium. The 28‑year‑old Hewett, who had suffered defeats at the hands of Oda in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier in the season, spoke candidly about the mental and emotional work required to bounce back. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting,” he said. “The Wimbledon loss was a tough one to swallow.
I definitely left that match with a lot of regret, took some time off and gave myself a hard, long look in the mirror about who I wanted to be on the court and how I wanted to show up.” Hewett continued, emphasizing a shift in mindset that helped him play with greater freedom. “Today I didn’t care about the outcome.
It was about being a little more like ‘Alfie’—showing the fight, the grit, and the desire to play more fearlessly. I think the performance demonstrated that.” This victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, though it was his first since 2023.
It also followed a doubles triumph he achieved just a day earlier, partnering with Gordon Reid to lift the wheelchair doubles trophy. The back‑to‑back wins underscore Hewett’s status as one of the sport’s most resilient and versatile competitors.
In the men’s doubles final, British player Neal Skupski, alongside American partner Christian Harrison, overcame the German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). The win was particularly sweet for Skupski, who had previously finished as runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two occasions—first with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury the previous year. "I’m still in shock," the 36‑year‑old admitted.
"Losing twice and having match points last year was a painful part of my career, but it’s amazing what a year can do in tennis. This moment feels incredibly special." The trophy ceremony was conducted by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his American teammate Bruno Soares, who commemorated the 10‑year anniversary of their own victory at the venue.
Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition to the celebrations. Harrison and Skupski’s partnership is still in its infancy, having only teamed up for their second tournament together when they clinched the Australian Open title in January.
Their rapid ascent continued with a Wimbledon triumph, making them only the fourth men’s doubles duo since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to win both major titles in the same calendar year. "It’s been a great year," Harrison remarked.
"To win two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home makes it even more special." Beyond the headline results, 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 move that will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Meanwhile, Sky Sports secured a three‑year extension to continue airing the US Open through 2030, ensuring British fans can follow the action live for years to come. In the men’s singles draw, top seed Alexander Zverev issued a confident warning to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, proclaiming himself the world’s best player at the moment.
Zverev later lived up to his self‑assessment by defeating Ben Shelton in the final, securing the championship in four sets and ending the American’s dream run. The tournament’s schedule, draws, and results have been closely followed by fans worldwide, with live scores, commentary, and updates streaming via Sky Sports, the NOW platform, and the Sky Sports app—no contract required. For those seeking a live experience beyond the screen, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports. Overall, Saturday’s outcomes highlighted the depth of British talent on the global tennis stage, with both Hewett and Skupski achieving career‑defining moments.
Their victories not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also inspired a new generation of players watching from the stands and from home. The US Open continues to deliver drama, emotion, and unforgettable performances, cementing its reputation as the final Grand Slam of the year and a showcase for the sport’s finest athletes.