Alfie Hewett of Great Britain defeated Tokito Oda to secure his fifth men’s wheelchair singles championship at the US Open, stopping the top-seeded Japanese player from achieving a Grand Slam sweep in 2026.
With a 6-0 7-6 (7-5) triumph, Hewett built upon the doubles championship he captured on Friday with his compatriot Gordon Reid.
The 28-year-old Hewett had previously fallen to Oda in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier this season, taking a mere two games during a heavy 6-1 6-1 loss at SW19, while his Japanese rival had also claimed victory at the Australian Open in January.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hewett admitted that his Wimbledon defeat to Oda forced him into some self-examination, and this period of introspection made him realize he needed to stay truer to his identity as he chased an 11th major singles crown.
“I have a reputation for being bold, daring, and resolute when the pressure is on, yet I felt like I was the complete opposite of that at Wimbledon,” Hewett remarked.
“I played quietly and hesitantly, and I was just a shadow of my true self.
“I believe I’ve spent the past six weeks absolutely eager to step back onto the court and show myself that I can return to being that competitor.”
Characterizing his first-set display as playing like he was “possessed,” Hewett fended off a break point in the very first game before launching a commanding performance, wrapping up the set with an outstanding backhand return winner.
The British player sealed his win in a tight second-set tie-break, recovering from a double-break deficit and turning away three set points that would have allowed Oda to equalize.
Oda, who was chasing his seventh consecutive major singles title, remarked during the on-court interview: “I was absolutely aiming to complete the calendar-year Grand Slam this season.
“Since this was the final leg, it is quite painful for me, but Alfie truly earned the win today.”
