Britain celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the US Open on Saturday, as Alfie Hewett reclaimed his wheelchair singles crown and Neal Skupski captured the men’s doubles championship for the first time. Hewett’s emotional victory came after a dominant 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) win over Japan’s rising star Tokito Oda, a result that denied the 20‑year‑old a chance to complete a calendar 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, was visibly moved, shedding tears as he reflected on the journey that led him back to the top of the podium. In his post‑match interview, Hewett spoke candidly about the mental and emotional hurdles he had to overcome.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of soul‑searching at times, a lot of reflecting,” he said. He recalled the sting of his Wimbledon loss, describing it as “a tough one to swallow.” The disappointment prompted him to take a brief break from competition, during which he “had a hard, long look in the mirror” to reassess his identity on the court and the way he wanted to present himself as a competitor. “Today I didn’t care about the outcome,” Hewett explained.
“It was about being a little bit more like ‘Alfie’—showing fight, grit and a fearless desire to play.” He felt that his performance that day embodied those qualities. This victory marks Hewett’s fifth US Open singles title, but his first since 2023.
It also pairs nicely with the doubles trophy he secured alongside Gordon Reid on Friday, underscoring a weekend of personal redemption and national pride for the British wheelchair tennis contingent. In the men’s doubles final, Neal Skupski teamed with American partner Christian Harrison to defeat Germany’s 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 runner‑up at Flushing Meadows on two occasions—once with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2022 and again with fellow Briton Joe Salisbury last year. “I’m still in shock,” the 36‑year‑old 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 does in tennis. This moment feels so special.” The trophy presentation was handled by former doubles champions Jamie Murray and his American teammate Bruno Soares, who marked the occasion as the tenth anniversary of their own US Open victory. Their presence added a sense of continuity and tradition to the ceremony.
Harrison, who was only in his second tournament with Skupski, expressed disbelief at the rapid success they had achieved. “It’s been a great year,” he said. “To get two titles like this, I’m speechless – and to do it at home.” Their partnership had already yielded a Grand Slam title earlier in the year at the Australian Open, and by also winning Wimbledon, they joined a select group of men’s doubles teams that have captured both majors in the same calendar year since the Australian Open switched to hard courts in 1988. Beyond the headline results, the US Open weekend featured a host of other storylines that captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide.
Sky Sports announced a three‑year extension of its broadcast agreement, ensuring coverage of the tournament through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is set to return to the ATP’s China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus, a move that will be highlighted on Sky Sports’ programming.
Other notable moments included Alexander Zverev’s bold claim that he is currently the world’s best player, a statement he made while warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev later lived up to the hype by defeating Ben Shelton in the men’s final in four sets, ending the American’s dream run and securing the championship. The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season, continued to draw massive global audiences from its New York base at Flushing Meadows. Live scores, updates, commentary and results were available through Sky Sports, the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app, offering fans flexible ways to follow the action without a contract.
In addition to tennis, the network also promoted upcoming events such as the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Overall, the weekend highlighted the resilience and determination of British athletes on the world stage. Hewett’s heartfelt comeback and Skupski’s long‑awaited triumph not only added new chapters to their personal legacies but also reinforced the United Kingdom’s growing influence in both wheelchair and able‑bodied tennis.
Their achievements will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players, while fans look forward to more thrilling moments as the season progresses.