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 a sense of redemption for both athletes, each of whom overcame personal challenges to stand atop the tournament podium. Hewett’s victory was nothing short of cathartic. After dispatching Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a decisive 6‑0, 7‑6 (7‑5) win, the 28‑year‑old British player broke down in tears, knowing he had denied Oda the chance to complete a calendar‑year Grand Slam.
Oda, only 20, had already secured the French Open and Wimbledon titles earlier in the season, making Hewett’s triumph all the more significant. In the post‑match interview, Hewett reflected on the 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 sting of his Wimbledon loss, describing it as “a tough one to swallow.” The disappointment prompted him to step away briefly, to look inward and ask himself who he wanted to be on the court.
“I took 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. 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 more fearlessly,” he said.
The performance, he believes, demonstrated that renewed approach. This victory marks Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since 2023, and it follows a doubles triumph he shared with Gordon Reid just a day earlier. The men’s doubles final also delivered a storybook ending for Neal Skupski. Partnering with American Christian Harrison, Skupski overcame the German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, winning 6‑4, 7‑6 (8‑6).
The victory was especially sweet for Skupski, who had been runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two previous occasions—once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Brit Joe Salisbury last year. The disappointment of those near‑misses, including match points lost in the 2025 final, had lingered in his mind. “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.” At 36, the seasoned doubles specialist finally tasted the ultimate prize on the court where he has spent so many years chasing it. Harrison, who was only in his second tournament with Skupski after their Australian Open triumph earlier in the year, expressed disbelief at their rapid ascent.
“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 has already etched its name in history: by winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in the same calendar year, they became only the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to achieve the feat. The ceremony was overseen by former British doubles champions Jamie Murray and his American partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the 10th anniversary of their own US Open victory.
Their presence added a sense of continuity and celebration of British doubles excellence. Beyond the headline matches, the broadcast schedule featured several notable storylines. Novak Djokovic is set to return to the ATP’s China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, a development highlighted by 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. Other headlines from the tournament included Alexander Zverev’s confident claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and a comprehensive guide to the US Open draw, schedule, and results for the final Grand Slam of 2026 at Flushing Meadows. For viewers in the UK, the US Open is being broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30.
Fans can also stream matches without a contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app. In addition, the Laver Cup will be shown live from The O2 in London from September 25‑27, offering more top‑level tennis to enjoy. Overall, Saturday’s outcomes underscored the resilience and determination of British tennis. Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph both serve as reminders that perseverance, self‑reflection, and a willingness to evolve can ultimately lead to glory on the sport’s biggest stages.