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. 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. Hewett’s victory was nothing short of moving.
After a dominant first set in which he blanked Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda 6-0, the match grew tighter in the second. Hewett edged the tiebreak 7-5, sealing a 6-0, 7-6 win that not only earned him his fifth US Open singles trophy but also thwarted Oda’s bid for a calendar Grand Slam. Overcome with emotion, the 28‑year‑old British player broke down in tears on the court, a raw display of relief and joy after a season that had tested his resolve.
In the post‑match interview, Hewett reflected on the journey that led him back to the top of the podium. He spoke candidly about the intense self‑examination he underwent after losing to Oda in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier in the year. "It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting," he said.
He described the disappointment he felt after the Wimbledon final, noting that the loss forced him to take a brief break and engage in a deep, honest conversation with himself about his identity on the court. "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 mindset on the day of the US Open final was fundamentally different. Rather than fixating on the result, he aimed to embody a more authentic version of himself—one that was fearless, gritty, and willing to fight for every point.
"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. His words resonated with fans and fellow players alike, illustrating how personal growth can translate into on‑court success.
Hewett’s triumph was complemented by a doubles victory the previous day, where he teamed up with long‑time partner Gordon Reid to lift the wheelchair doubles trophy. The back‑to‑back titles underscored Hewett’s status as one of the sport’s most versatile and resilient competitors. In the men’s doubles final, 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 marked a long‑awaited breakthrough for Skupski, who had previously finished runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice—once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury in 2023.
At 36, Skupski described the moment as 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 does in tennis. This moment feels so special," he said, his voice tinged with both disbelief and satisfaction.
Harrison, who was only in his second tournament with Skupski after their Australian Open triumph earlier in the year, expressed sheer amazement at their rapid success. "It’s been a great year. To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home," he remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of winning a major on American soil. The duo’s achievement is historically significant.
By capturing both the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in the same calendar year, Skupski and Harrison became only the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to secure two majors in a single season. Their chemistry, built on just a handful of matches, illustrates how complementary playing styles and mutual trust can accelerate a partnership’s ascent to the top of the game.
The ceremony was presided over by former British doubles star Jamie Murray and his former partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the tenth anniversary of their own US Open victory. Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition, linking past British successes to the present achievements of Hewett and Skupski. Beyond the headlines, the broader context of the tournament featured several notable storylines. Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus, a move that generated significant buzz among tennis enthusiasts.
Sky Sports secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through 2030, ensuring that fans will continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of the event for years to come. Meanwhile, top‑seed Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim, asserting that he currently believes himself to be the world’s best player, and later proceeded to defeat Ben Shelton in the men’s final, delivering a decisive four‑set victory.
The US Open, held at Flushing Meadows in New York, remains the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season, offering a packed schedule of matches, draws, and results that captivate a global audience. Viewers can follow live scores, commentary, and updates via Sky Sports, the NOW streaming platform, or the Sky Sports app, all of which provide contract‑free access to the action.
Additionally, tennis fans looking for more live sport can attend the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, an event also broadcast by Sky Sports. In summary, Saturday’s double victories for Britain highlighted the resilience, determination, and skill of two of the sport’s most compelling athletes. Alfie Hewett’s emotional redemption in the wheelchair singles final and Neal Skupski’s long‑awaited breakthrough in men’s doubles underscore the narrative that perseverance, self‑reflection, and a willingness to evolve can ultimately lead to triumph on tennis’s biggest stages.