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 championship. Hewett, visibly moved, broke down in tears after dispatching Japan’s 20‑year‑old prodigy Tokito Oda with a decisive 6‑0, 7‑6 (7‑5) victory, thwarting Oda’s bid for a calendar‑year Grand Slam. The 28‑year‑old Hewett, who had fallen to Oda in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier in the season, 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," he said.
"The Wimbledon loss was a tough one to swallow. I definitely came away from that match 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 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 go out and play a bit more fearlessly. I think the performance showed that." This emotional statement underscored the mental resilience he cultivated after a challenging period.
The victory marked Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since 2023, adding a significant milestone to a season that also saw him lift the wheelchair doubles trophy alongside Gordon Reid on Friday. The back‑to‑back wins highlight Hewett’s dominance in wheelchair tennis and his ability to rebound from setbacks.
In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski partnered with American Christian Harrison to defeat the German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets, 6‑4, 7‑6 (8‑6). Skupski, 36, had previously finished runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two occasions – once with Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury last year. "I’m still in shock," Skupski admitted 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 ceremony was presented by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his former partner Bruno Soares, who were celebrating the tenth anniversary of their own US Open triumph. Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition to the event. Harrison and Skupski’s partnership is still in its infancy; the Australian Open in January was only their second tournament together, yet they already claimed that Grand Slam title.
By also winning Wimbledon, they joined a very exclusive club: they became the fourth men’s doubles team since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988 to capture both majors 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 significance of their achievement goes beyond the trophies.
Winning two of the sport’s most prestigious events in a single season demonstrates remarkable chemistry, adaptability across surfaces, and the ability to handle pressure on the world stage. Their success also shines a spotlight on the depth of British tennis talent, complementing the achievements of wheelchair stars like Hewett.
Beyond the headlines, the US Open weekend featured a host of other notable 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 the end of 2030, ensuring fans can follow the action for years to come. In other news, Alexander Zverev issued a bold claim, warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that he currently believes he is the best player in the world. Zverev later fulfilled his confidence by defeating Ben Shelton in the men’s final, clinching the championship in four sets and adding another chapter to his rising legacy.
The tournament also provided a platform for emerging talent and dramatic upsets, with American Ben Shelton’s run ending at the hands of Zverev, and a host of other matches delivering thrilling moments for spectators worldwide. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the US Open is being broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30.
Fans can also stream matches without a contract via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, ensuring flexible access to every set, every point, and every emotional moment. Additionally, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, with live coverage also provided by Sky Sports, promising a packed schedule of elite tennis for the coming weeks.
Overall, Saturday’s double victory for Britain underscored the nation’s growing influence in both wheelchair and able‑bodied tennis. Hewett’s heartfelt comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph encapsulate the perseverance, skill, and emotional depth that define the sport at its highest level.