Japan Open 2026: Alfie Hewett claims singles title over world No.1 Tokito Oda
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Alfie Hewett secured one of the biggest victories of his celebrated career outside of Grand Slam competition to lift the Japan Open title.
Hewett beat home favourite and world No.1 Tokito Oda of Japan 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to become the Japan Open men’s singles champion for the first time.
Amid heavy rain in Iizuka City, Sunday’s singles finals were played indoors, with Hewett having already won the men’s doubles title outdoors on Saturday alongside fellow Brit Gordon Reid.
But the weather did little to dampen world No.2 Hewett’s spirits as he converted four of his seven break point opportunities in the second set and didn’t allow three-time defending champion Oda any break points of his own in the final set.
Hewett wrapped up victory in two hours and seven minutes to seal his fourth ITF Premier Tier title of 2026 and his first this season at WC1000 level, the highest level of standalone wheelchair tournament outside of the Grand Slams.
Addressing the crowd after the final, Hewett said: “It’s my first time winning this title, so as you can tell I’m very, very happy.
"This means a lot to me for many reasons. I’m delighted. But I also want to apologise, because I know that a lot of you will have come today to see Tokito win, so I’m sorry for spoiling your party a little bit.
"I want to thank everyone for truly making this feel like a final. It’s what I believe a tournament should feel like when you get to the final, with this level of atmosphere and crowd support and we are very grateful.”
In becoming Japan Open champion for the first time, Hewett joined doubles partner Reid as the only two Brits to lift the men’s singles title in Iizuka City, after Reid won back-to-back singles titles in 2017 and 2018.
The second of those victories for Reid coincided with a first Japan Open men’s doubles title for he and Hewett. The reigning Paralympic champions and 23-time Grand Slam winners added a second Japan Open doubles title on Saturday.
