World No.1 Alfie Hewett on returning to defend Great Britain’s World Team Cup title in 2024
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World No.1 Alfie Hewett and the rest of the men’s Lexus GB World Team Cup squad head to Antalya, Turkey with one goal in mind – retaining the title.
In 2023, Hewett, Gordon Reid and Ben Bartram put in an incredible performance to be crowned champions following a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Netherlands in the final.
Joining forces once again for Great Britain next week, alongside Dahnon Ward, Hewett and the rest of the team are preparing for another tough week at the World Team Cup.
“We’re very excited to go back as defending champions,” said the 26-year-old from Norwich. “Last year we made some great memories, and it was so fun being part of the team.
“Going there this year will be a challenge, there will be a lot of good teams wanting to win the trophy as well so we’re going to have to play our best tennis to do that. Hopefully with Dahnon in the team this year as well, we can give the fans something to cheer about.”
For those who don’t know, the World Team Cup is the wheelchair equivalent of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup – a team based competition for the leading nations in the game.
It’s a really cool feeling to have that environment – I thrive in it; I really love and enjoy it. It’s a special tournament to play in and I’m proud to wear the shirt.
The World Team Cup is unique in that each squad is split into four teams – men’s, women’s, quad and juniors.
For many, it’s the unity and team environment that the players relish and feed off during these weeks – none more so than Hewett, who has helped the Brits capture three titles during his years with the senior team and once as a junior.
“With the World Team Cup, it’s not just about the togetherness of the men’s team – but we’ll go and support the women’s, the quad and the junior sides and everyone gets behind everyone,” he said.
“It’s unique and it’s the only time of year that it happens really. You feel like you’re part of a team and obviously you’re all representing your country as well.
“It’s a really cool feeling to have that environment – I thrive in it; I really love and enjoy it. It’s a special tournament to play in and I’m proud to wear the shirt.”
This year’s British men’s team has the perfect balance of experience and youth. On one side you have Hewett and Reid who have won a combined 52 Grand Slams between them, while on the other you have two of the sport’s rising stars in Bartram and Ward.
Hewett believes that the quality and positivity they can all bring to the squad stands the Brits in strong stead to mount another title challenge.
“I think they’ll bring that young, fresh energy to the squad – Gordon and I are the veterans nowadays,” Hewett joked.
“We’ll see it as an opportunity to spend good quality time with them, educate them and for them to hopefully learn from us and the coaching team.
“They bring a lot of fun energy – World Team Cup is always full of games as well, there’s never a dull moment, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of laughs and pranks as well.”
However, the Brits will face stiff competition out in Turkey – especially in a Paralympic year, with players from different nations looking to get in plenty of matches competing together ahead of the Paris Games.
“There’s a lot of strong nations out there – you’ve got Japan, Netherlands, Spain and France are dangerous as well.
“We know we have to be on it from the get-go because if you lose one match in the round-robin then your chances of making it through to the semis are almost over. I think there will be a strong line-up this year but we’ll be ready for the challenge.
“Because it’s on clay (like the Paralympics) that gives much more reason for a lot of players to go and compete this year. The World Team Cup always gives you the opportunity to play more matches and in a Paralympic year, players want to compete as much as possible for experience and ranking points as well.”
The World Team Cup gets underway on Tuesday 7 May. Read our full preview at the link below and stay tuned to our website and social media channels for all the latest updates and results.
