Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed the wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski finally captured the men’s doubles title. Both victories underscored the resilience and determination of the British contingent on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. In the wheelchair final, an emotional Hewett overwhelmed Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda with a decisive 6‑0, 7‑6 (7‑5) victory, snatching the title away from the 20‑year‑old who had been on the brink of completing a calendar Grand Slam.
The win sparked tears from Hewett, who reflected on the arduous 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," he said, recalling the disappointment of his defeats to Oda at the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the season. Hewett continued, "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." He emphasized a shift in mindset for the US Open match, noting that he was less concerned with the final score and more focused on playing with the fearless, gritty spirit that defines 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, showing the grit and the desire to go out and play a bit more fearless.
I think the performance showed that," he added. The victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since 2023, and it complemented the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid just a day earlier. The back‑to‑back wins highlighted Hewett’s dominance in wheelchair tennis and his ability to rebound from setbacks with renewed vigor.
In the men’s doubles final, Skupski, paired with American partner Christian Harrison, defeated the German team of 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 twice—once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury the previous year. "I’m still in shock," the 36‑year‑old admitted. "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 ceremony was presided over by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his Brazilian‑American partner Bruno Soares, who presented the trophies on the tenth anniversary of their own triumph at the venue. Their presence added a sense of continuity and celebration to the occasion. Skupski and Harrison’s partnership was still in its infancy, having played together in only their second tournament when they clinched the Australian Open title in January. Their rapid ascent continued this year, as they also captured Wimbledon, becoming only the fourth men’s doubles duo since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to win both majors in the same season.
"It’s been a great year," Harrison said. "To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home." Beyond the headline matches, the US Open weekend featured a host of other storylines.
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 2030, ensuring British fans can follow the action live for years to come. In the men’s singles draw, top seed Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim that he is currently the best player in the world, warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz of his intentions.
Zverev later fulfilled his promise by defeating Ben Shelton in the final, securing the championship in four sets and ending the American’s dream run. The tournament also provided a comprehensive schedule, live scores, and commentary for viewers worldwide, with Sky Sports offering streaming options via NOW and the Sky Sports app, free from contractual obligations.
Fans in London could also experience the excitement in person, with the Laver Cup scheduled at The O2 from 25‑27 September, also broadcast on Sky Sports. Overall, the US Open proved to be a showcase of British resilience and talent, as both Hewett and Skupski turned previous disappointments into triumphant moments on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Their achievements not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also inspired a new generation of British athletes aiming for greatness on the international circuit.