Britain celebrated a double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski finally lifted the men’s doubles trophy. Hewett’s emotional victory came after a straight‑sets win over Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, with a scoreline of 6‑0, 7‑6 (7‑5), a result that denied the 20‑year‑old a chance to complete a calendar‑year Grand Slam. The 28‑year‑old Hewett, who had fallen short to Oda in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier in the season, broke down in tears after the match. He 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.
The Wimbledon loss was a tough one to swallow. I definitely left that match with a lot of regret, took some time off and gave myself 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’ 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 title, though it was his first since 2023.
The win pairs nicely with the doubles title he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday, underscoring a remarkable week for the British wheelchair champion. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski, paired with American partner Christian Harrison, overcame the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6‑4, 7‑6 (8‑6).
The win ended a string of near‑misses for Skupski, who had been runner‑up at Flushing Meadows twice before – once with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury last year. When presented with the trophy by former doubles greats Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares – who themselves celebrated the 10th anniversary of their 2016 US Open victory – Skupski, now 36, admitted he was still in disbelief. “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,” he said.
Harrison, who is also 28, noted that the pair had only entered their second tournament together when they claimed the Australian Open title in January. Their success at the US Open means they have now captured both Grand Slam hard‑court majors in the same calendar year, a feat achieved by only three other men’s teams since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988. “It’s been a great year,” Harrison remarked.
“To win two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it on home soil makes it even more special.” The British achievements came amid a busy US Open programme that also featured notable storylines on the men’s side. 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 is currently the world’s best player, before later dispatching Ben Shelton in the men’s final to claim the championship in four sets. The tournament also offered a comprehensive schedule, live scores, and commentary through Sky Sports, NOW, and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans could follow every match without a contract. For those in London, the Laver Cup was set to be shown live at The O2 from 25‑27 September, also on Sky Sports.
Overall, the weekend highlighted a resurgence for British tennis on the biggest stages. Hewett’s heartfelt comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles triumph not only added to their personal legacies but also reinforced Britain’s growing presence in both wheelchair and able‑bodied tennis. Their stories of perseverance, reflection, and ultimate success will resonate with fans and inspire the next generation of players across all formats of the sport.