Britain celebrated a 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 steeped in emotion and marked significant milestones in their respective careers. Hewett’s win was particularly moving.
After dispatching Japan’s rising talent Tokito Oda with a commanding 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) scoreline, the 28‑year‑old Brit broke down in tears. Oda, only 20, had been on the brink of completing a calendar Grand Slam, but Hewett’s fierce performance denied him that historic feat.
The match was a redemption story for Hewett, who had fallen short against Oda in the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier in the season. Reflecting on his journey, Hewett opened up about the mental and emotional work 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.
He recalled the disappointment of Wimbledon, describing it as “a tough one to swallow” and admitting that the loss prompted him to take a break, look deeply at his motivations, and decide how he wanted to present himself on court. “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,” he explained. The crowd’s response suggested they witnessed exactly that—a display of resilience, determination, and an unapologetic fighting spirit.
This victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since the 2023 edition. It also complemented the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday, underscoring a remarkable week for the British wheelchair tennis contingent. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski, paired with American Christian Harrison, overcame the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). The win was a long‑awaited breakthrough for Skupski, who had previously finished 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 triumph felt 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,” he said.
The ceremony was presented by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his American teammate 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 occasion. Harrison and Skupski’s partnership is still in its infancy.
The duo had only entered their second tournament together when they captured the Australian Open title earlier in January. Their rapid success continued this year, as they also claimed Wimbledon, making them only the fourth men’s pair since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to win both majors in the same calendar year. “It’s been a great year,” Harrison remarked. “To win two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home makes it even more special.” Beyond the headline matches, the US Open weekend featured a host of other storylines on Sky Sports.
Novak Djokovic was announced to return to the ATP’s China Open after an eleven‑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 world’s best player, and later went on to defeat Ben Shelton in the men’s final, ending the American’s dream run.
For tennis fans across the UK, the tournament remained accessible via Sky Sports from August 30, with live streaming available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app without the need for a long‑term contract. The coverage also included the Laver Cup, set to be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, further highlighting the breadth of high‑profile tennis events on offer. Overall, the weekend underscored the depth of British talent on the global stage.
Hewett’s emotional comeback in the wheelchair singles draw and Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles triumph both served as testament to perseverance, partnership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Their victories not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also inspired a new generation of British players aspiring to achieve greatness on the world’s biggest courts.