Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski finally captured the men’s doubles title. Both victories were laden with emotion and significance, underscoring a year of perseverance and breakthrough for the two athletes. Hewett’s win was a dramatic, tear‑filled affair. After dispatching Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a dominant 6‑0 first set and a tightly contested 7‑6 (7‑5) second set, the 28‑year‑old British champion broke down in tears.
Oda, only 20, had been on the cusp of completing a calendar Grand Slam, but Hewett’s relentless play denied him that historic feat. The match was especially poignant for Hewett, who had suffered defeats to Oda at both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the season.
In the post‑match interview, Hewett reflected on the mental and emotional journey that led to his resurgence: "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 deep sense of regret, took some time off, and had a hard, long look in the mirror about who I wanted to be on the court and how I wanted to show up." He continued, "Today I didn’t care about the outcome. It was about being a little bit more like ‘Alfie’ – showing the fight, the grit, and the desire to play more fearlessly.
I think the performance showed that." Hewett’s emotional confession highlighted a shift in mindset that helped him rediscover the confidence that made him a multiple Grand Slam champion. This victory marks his 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. On the men’s doubles side, Neal Skupski, alongside his 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 ended a series of near‑misses for Skupski, who had previously finished as runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice – first with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023. At 36, Skupski admitted the victory still feels surreal: "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." The ceremony was presented by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his former 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 proceedings, linking past British successes with the current generation’s achievements. Harrison and Skupski’s partnership is still in its infancy, having played together in only their second tournament when they claimed the Australian Open title in January. Their rapid ascent continued this year, as they added a Wimbledon championship to their résumé, making them the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to capture both majors in a single season.
"It’s been a great year," Harrison said after the US Open win. "To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." The broader context of the tournament featured several notable storylines on Sky Sports.
Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, while Sky Sports secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through 2030. Alexander Zverev, the top seed, issued a bold claim that he was currently the best player in the world, later delivering a dominant performance in the men’s final against Ben Shelton, ending the American’s dream run in four sets. Fans could follow the action live on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering contract‑free access. The tournament also served as a platform for upcoming events, such as the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London, scheduled for 25‑27 September and also broadcast by Sky Sports.
Overall, the US Open weekend highlighted the resilience and determination of British tennis. Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph both exemplify how perseverance, self‑reflection, and a willingness to adapt can ultimately lead to success on the sport’s biggest stages. Their stories will inspire not only fellow athletes but also anyone facing setbacks, demonstrating that with the right mindset, redemption and glory are always within reach.