Roland Garros 2026: Alfie Hewett denied Paris double after finishing runner-up to Tokito Oda in men’s wheelchair singles final
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Alfie Hewett’s bid for a fourth Roland Garros singles title ended in defeat to top seed Tokito Oda.
Hewett looked on track to take the world No.1 to a third set but the Japanese star fought back to clinch a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the British No.1.
In finishing runner-up in the singles, Hewett has missed out on the chance to complete the Roland Garros double, after lifting a historic seventh consecutive men’s doubles title yesterday with Gordon Reid.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Hewett said, “Congratulations Tokito and your team. I'm not sure how many years you've won this in a row now, but it seems to feel like forever, so, great job on the work that you and the guys are doing.
“It's obviously nice to be back in the final here, gutted with the performance today, it’s definitely not one I'm proud of, but it's still been a good week.
"It’s a pleasure to be back, and hopefully next year, it can be even better.”
Oda has seemingly made the clay courts at Roland Garros a second home in recent years, having now won the men’s wheelchair singles title for the last four years in a row, and also claiming the gold medal at the Paris Paralympic Games two years ago where he edged Hewett in a tight three-set battle.
Hewett fought back from 3-1 down in the opener to level the scoreboard to three games all, but Oda responded immediately to regain control. The Brit created another opening in the world No.1’s next service game - carving out three break points but Oda maintained his composure to hold for a 5-3 lead.
The 20-year-old soon flipped the pressure back onto Hewett who quickly trailed 40-15 on serve before a costly double fault handed Oda a one set lead.
Hewett managed to shake off the disappointment and made the brighter start to the second set, surging into a 3-0 lead thanks to some aggressive returning.
However, the top seed soon pulled the momentum back into his favour as he began to find his rhythm. The Japanese star recovered one break and used it as a springboard to reel off five straight games and give himself the chance to serve for the title.
An inch-perfect drop shot set up match point for the world No.1 before a long forehand from the Brit secured the victory for Oda who sealed his fourth straight Roland Garros crown.
