Alfie Hewett wins ITF World Champions Award for first time

The 26-year-old is the first British player to win the award in men’s wheelchair tennis since his doubles partner, Gordon Reid, secured it back in 2016.

Hewett clinched the award after winning the NEC Masters in November to ensure that he would finish the year as the top-ranked player in the world.

“To finish 2023 as World Champion for the first time in my career is so special,” Hewett said. “It was a goal that me and my team set at the start of the year, so we’re very happy to hit that. It’s been a special year all-round.”

His 2023 season has seen Hewett reach the final of each of the four Grand Slam singles events, winning two titles at the Australian Open and US Open.

In doubles, Hewett and Reid continued their dominance with titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. His successes have taken him to 26 Grand Slam trophies in his career so far.

In addition to his Grand Slam and Masters victories, Hewett won a total of seven singles titles this year, including ITF Super Series events at the Lexus British Open and Melbourne Wheelchair Open, as well as 10 doubles crowns with Reid.

“Australia was big for me,” Hewett continued. “To get the two wins there after results in previous years and while another Wimbledon title is always special, there is still unfinished business there in singles.

“My team have been great, and I appreciate all the support from them this year and I feel we have again seen continued progression and exposure for the amazing sport of wheelchair tennis.

“I’m ever grateful to the parties who are giving us the platform to showcase our sport and to bring about ever-greater parity for us. I only hope to inspire more kids to get into the sport of tennis going forward and as part of that we have an exciting year ahead with the Paris Paralympics, so stay tuned!”