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. The day was marked by emotion, perseverance, and historic achievements that will be remembered by fans of the sport. Hewett, visibly moved, broke down in tears after dispatching Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a decisive 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) victory. The win halted Oda’s quest for a calendar Grand Slam, a feat that would have seen the 20-year-old capture all four major titles in a single season.
For Hewett, the result was the culmination of a long and introspective journey. The 28-year-old reflected on the setbacks he endured earlier in the year, noting that he had been bested by Oda in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals.
"It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting," Hewett said in the post‑match interview. He went on to describe the disappointment he felt after his Wimbledon loss, admitting that it forced him to take a step back and evaluate his mindset 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," he explained. Hewett emphasized that his approach in New York was less about the scoreline and more about embodying his true self.
"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," he added. The victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, his first since the 2023 edition, and complemented the doubles gold he secured alongside Gordon Reid just a day earlier. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski teamed up with American partner Christian Harrison to overcome the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). The win was especially sweet for Skupski, who had previously finished as runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two occasions: first with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury the previous year.
"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." The trophy ceremony was conducted by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his former partner 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 occasion. Harrison, who was only in his second tournament with Skupski, highlighted the remarkable synergy they have built in a short period. The pair had already claimed the Australian Open title in January, and by adding the US Open they completed a rare double‑major feat.
Since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988, only four men’s teams have managed to capture both the Australian and US Open titles in the same calendar year. "It’s been a great year," Harrison said. "To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." The British successes were part of a broader narrative of exciting storylines at the tournament.
Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, a move that will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Meanwhile, Sky Sports secured a three‑year extension to continue airing the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring fans can follow the action live for years to come. Other headlines from the event included Alexander Zverev’s confident claim that he is currently the world’s best player, as well as his decisive victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, ending the American’s dream run. The tournament also featured a comprehensive schedule, draws, and real‑time results for the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season, all accessible via Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform without a contract.
Overall, the day underscored the resilience and talent of British tennis. Hewett’s emotional comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph illustrated how perseverance, self‑reflection, and partnership can culminate in historic achievements. The victories will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players and cement both athletes’ places in the annals of US Open history.