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 championship for the first time. The day was filled with emotion, drama, and a sense of redemption for both athletes, each of whom had faced setbacks earlier in the season.
In the wheelchair final, Hewett produced a performance that was as powerful as it was poignant. He overwhelmed Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a dominant 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) victory, denying the 20‑year‑old a chance to complete a calendar Grand Slam. The win was especially sweet for the 28‑year‑old, who had been bested by Oda in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the year. Overcome with emotion, Hewett broke down in tears after the match, a testament to the weight of the moment and the personal journey that led him there.
Reflecting on his path, Hewett spoke candidly about the challenges he had faced: "It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting. The Wimbledon loss was a tough one to swallow. I definitely came away from that 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 went on to explain that his mindset for the US Open 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.
I think the performance showed that." This victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, though it was his first since 2023. The win complemented the doubles trophy he secured the previous day alongside his long‑time partner Gordon Reid, underscoring a weekend of unparalleled success for the British wheelchair tennis contingent.
In the men’s doubles final, the British‑American pairing of Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison faced the German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz. Skupski and Harrison prevailed in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), clinching the championship on a court that had witnessed Skupski’s near‑misses in previous years.
Skupski, now 36, had been runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice before – once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023. The new partnership with Harrison, however, proved decisive. The trophy presentation was handled by former champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares, who were commemorating the 10th anniversary of their own US Open victory.
Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition to the ceremony. Skupski, still processing the achievement, said, "I’m still in shock. 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 was only in his second tournament with Skupski after their Australian Open triumph in January, echoed the sentiment: "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." The duo’s success this season is historic.
By winning both the Australian Open and the US Open 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. Their chemistry on court, aggressive net play, and complementary styles have drawn praise from analysts and fans alike.
Beyond the headline matches, the US Open weekend featured a host of other notable storylines. 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 to continue airing the US Open through 2030, ensuring that British audiences can follow the tournament live for years to come. In the men’s singles draw, top seed Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim, warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that he believes he is currently the best player in the world.
Zverev later lived up to his confidence by defeating Ben Shelton in four sets, ending the American’s bid for the title and advancing to the final. The tournament’s schedule, draws, and results continue to be updated in real time, with live scores, commentary, and analysis available on Sky Sports, the NOW streaming platform, and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also experience the excitement of the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena from September 25‑27, where Sky Sports will provide coverage.
Overall, Saturday’s outcomes highlighted the resilience and determination of British tennis. Hewett’s emotional comeback in the wheelchair division and Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles victory illustrate the depth of talent across the nation’s tennis programs. As the US Open moves into its final stages, the narrative of redemption, perseverance, and national pride will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.