US Open 2023: Alfie Hewett claims fourth wheelchair singles title with final win over Gordon Reid
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Alfie Hewett has added his name to the US Open men’s wheelchair singles trophy for the fourth time in his career after beating fellow Brit Gordon Reid 6-4, 6-3 in the final.
The title marks Hewett’s eighth Grand Slam singles trophy and his fourth at Flushing Meadows after his previous victories in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
“It’s the stuff of dreams to be able to come here and play on a stadium court and to be holding the trophy for a fourth time is something I’m very grateful for. Obviously, there’s something I like about playing in New York, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m doing alright here.
“It’s not easy playing your doubles partner in a Grand Slam final and I just want to congratulate you (Reid) on a great week and for getting back to where you belong in these finals.
“I really hope wheelchair tennis continues to grow and becomes more available to more people, because it’s a fabulous sport to play.”
It’s the stuff of dreams to be able to come here and play on a stadium court and to be holding the trophy for a fourth time is something I’m very grateful for.
Reid leaves New York following his best campaign at Flushing Meadows, reaching his first US Open singles final and first major final since Wimbledon 2021.
“Congrats to Alfie, you’ve been the best player this week so you deserve to have the title,” said Reid. “Big thanks to the team out here with me, to the LTA and everyone back home. I’ll get home, start working again and hopefully I’ll be back here again soon.”
Facing off for the 41st time in their careers, but the first in a Grand Slam singles final, 2016 Paralympic gold medallist Reid got off to an electric start, breaking in the opening game of the match. However, it wouldn’t take long for the three-time former champion to raise his level and Hewett broke back straight away with some impressive winners off the return.
18-time Grand Slam title winners as a doubles pair, Hewett and Reid know each other’s games inside and out and in the end, it was costly mistakes that proved the difference in the opener. Reid’s fourth double fault sealed the break and one set lead for world No.2 Hewett.
In similar fashion to the first set, Reid got the break in the opening game of the second, but Hewett charged back immediately.
With the title firmly in his sights, Hewett drove another signature backhand return winner on his third break point to take a 4-2 lead and from there, Reid wasn’t going to be able to catch him.
Reid continued to battle against the impressive power and skill of his doubles partner and friend – saving championship point on his serve to keep his title hopes alive. It would be short-lived however, as Hewett kept his nerve to hold to love and defend his US Open title.
