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 championship. Hewett’s emotional victory came after a dominant 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) win over Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, thwarting the 20‑year‑old’s bid for a calendar‑year Grand Slam. The 28‑year‑old British player, who had suffered defeats 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, saying, “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 tournament 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 court and how I wanted to show up.” Hewett 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 singles title, but his first since his 2023 triumph, and it nicely complemented the doubles gold he secured with partner Gordon Reid on Friday. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski teamed with American partner Christian Harrison to defeat the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). Skupski, now 36, had previously finished as runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two occasions – first alongside Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and then with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury the previous year.
The victory was especially sweet after those near‑misses, and he admitted, “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.” The ceremony was presented by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his Brazilian‑American partner Bruno Soares, who were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their own US Open win. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion for British tennis, highlighting a resurgence at the sport’s most prestigious hard‑court event.
Skupski and Harrison’s partnership is still in its infancy; the duo had only entered their second tournament together when they captured the Australian Open title in January. Their rapid ascent continued with a Wimbledon triumph, making them the fourth men’s pair since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to claim both major titles in the same calendar year. Harrison expressed his amazement, saying, “It’s been a great year. To win two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home makes it even more special.” Beyond the British successes, the US Open weekend featured several other notable storylines.
Novak Djokovic announced his return to the ATP China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus, a move that will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Sky Sports also secured a three‑year extension to continue airing the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that fans can follow the tournament’s drama for years to come.
Meanwhile, top‑seed Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim that he is currently the world’s best player, a statement that added extra intrigue to his upcoming final against Ben Shelton. Zverev ultimately fulfilled his confidence by defeating Shelton in four sets to claim the men’s singles title. The tournament’s schedule and results were closely followed by fans worldwide, with live scores, commentary, and updates provided by Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform, which offers contract‑free access via the Sky Sports App. In addition to the tennis action, the Laver Cup was set to be hosted at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast live on Sky Sports, further cementing the network’s role as a hub for premier tennis coverage.
Overall, the US Open served as a showcase for both established champions and emerging talent. Alfie Hewett’s heartfelt comeback highlighted the mental resilience required to stay at the pinnacle of wheelchair tennis, while Neal Skupski’s long‑awaited doubles victory demonstrated the rewards of perseverance and partnership. Their achievements, alongside the broader narratives unfolding across the courts of Flushing Meadows, contributed to a memorable chapter in the 2026 tennis season.