Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski finally lifted the men’s doubles trophy. Both victories carried a deep emotional resonance and underscored the perseverance that has defined each player’s season. In the wheelchair final, Hewett faced Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, a 20‑year‑old who had already forced Hewett into defeat at the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the year.
The match began with a dominant 6‑0 first set for the Briton, but the second set proved far more competitive, culminating in a 7‑6 tiebreak (7‑5). As the final point was won, Hewett was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears as he realized he had thwarted Oda’s bid for a calendar‑year Grand Slam. Reflecting on his performance, the 28‑year‑old spoke candidly about the mental and physical journey that led him back to the top.
“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 the Wimbledon final, describing it as “a tough one to swallow” and admitting that the loss prompted a period of introspection. “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 emphasized that his focus for the US Open final was less about the scoreboard and more about embodying his true self on the court.
“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 win marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, his first since 2023, and complemented the doubles victory he secured alongside Gordon Reid just a day earlier.
On the men’s doubles side, the British‑American partnership of Neal Skupski and 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 Flushing Meadows twice – first with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023.
“I’m still in shock,” Skupski, 36, 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.” The ceremony was presided over by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his Brazilian‑American partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the tenth anniversary of their own triumph at the venue. For Harrison, the victory was a continuation of a sensational season.
The pair had only entered their second tournament together when they captured the Australian Open title in January, and 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 a single calendar year. “It’s been a great year,” Harrison said, his voice tinged with disbelief. “To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home.” The duo’s chemistry on court, characterized by aggressive net play and precise serving, has drawn praise from commentators and fans alike, suggesting they could be a dominant force for years to come.
Beyond the on‑court drama, the US Open weekend featured a slate of additional tennis news. Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, a move that will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Sky Sports also secured a three‑year extension of its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev issued a bold statement, proclaiming himself the world’s best player and warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz of his ambitions.
Zverev later fulfilled part of that promise by defeating Ben Shelton in the men’s final, ending the American’s title hopes in four sets. The tournament’s schedule, draws, and results continue to be followed closely by fans worldwide, with live scores, commentary, and analysis available on Sky Sports, the NOW streaming service, and the Sky Sports app. For those in London, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 from 25‑27 September, also broadcast on Sky Sports, offering another high‑profile tennis showcase. Overall, the British successes at the US Open highlighted the resilience and determination of both Hewett and Skupski.
Their achievements not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also reinforced the United Kingdom’s growing influence in the sport, spanning wheelchair and able‑bodied competition alike. As the season draws to a close, both players look ahead with optimism, eager to build on their momentum and aim for further glory in the upcoming tournaments.