Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed the wheelchair singles crown while Neal Skupski finally lifted the men’s doubles trophy. Both victories underscored the perseverance and skill of the two athletes, each of whom has faced setbacks earlier in the season. Hewett’s emotional finale saw him dominate Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) victory, halting the 20‑year‑old’s bid for a calendar Grand Slam. The British champion, 28, broke down in tears after the match, reflecting on the arduous journey that led him back to the top.
He explained, "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. 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 a bit more fearlessly. I think the performance showed that." This win marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since the 2023 edition. It also complemented the doubles gold he secured with partner Gordon Reid just a day earlier, completing a rare double for the British star at Flushing Meadows. In the men’s doubles final, Skupski teamed with American Christian Harrison to defeat the German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).
The victory was especially sweet for Skupski, who had finished as runner‑up at the US Open twice before—once with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again alongside fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023. "I’m still in shock," the 36‑year‑old said 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 can do in tennis. This moment feels so special." Harrison, who is only 26, expressed disbelief at the rapid success he and Skupski have enjoyed. "It’s been a great year," he said.
"To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." The pair’s partnership is still in its infancy; the Australian Open in January was only their second tournament together, and they captured that title as well. By adding a Wimbledon victory to their résumé, Skupski and Harrison became only the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to claim both majors in a single season.
The ceremony was presented by former British doubles champion Jamie Murray and his former partner Bruno Soares, who were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their own US Open triumph. Beyond the British successes, the tournament featured a host of other storylines. Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open, ending 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 warning to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, claiming he believes he is currently the world’s best player. Zverev later fulfilled his promise by defeating Ben Shelton in four sets to claim the men’s singles title, ending the American’s hopes for a home‑soil victory. For fans in the United Kingdom, the US Open will be streamed live on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional coverage available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app without a contract. The Laver Cup will also be broadcast from The O2 in London later in September.
Overall, Saturday’s results highlighted the resilience of British tennis. Hewett’s tear‑filled comeback demonstrated the mental fortitude required to overcome disappointment, while Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph proved that persistence can eventually pay off.
Both athletes have added significant chapters to their careers, and their achievements will inspire the next generation of British players aiming for Grand Slam glory.