Melbourne Wheelchair Open 2024: Hewett and Reid claim victory to lift second successive doubles crown
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World No.1 doubles pairing Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid have got their 2024 doubles campaign off to a dream start by securing the crown at the Melbourne Wheelchair Open – defeating second seeds Joachim Gerard and Stephane Houdet 6-3, 1-6, (10-8).
The all-British duo have been a dominant force across the week at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre in Melbourne, having eased to the final without dropping a single set.
This triumph marks the duo’s 10th Super Series title together.
The top seeds made a fast start in the final match, racing ahead to a 4-1 lead to wrap up the first set. However, the Belgian, French duo soon found their way in the second to ultimately level the field and force the title to be determined by a deciding match tie-break.
Despite being the first to clinch the mini-break, the British pairing had to recover from 5-4 to eventually seal their first title of the year and their 45th men’s doubles trophy as a formidable duo.
With the Australian Open just around the corner, Hewett and Reid will be hoping they can carry this sublime form into the first Grand Slam of the year.
Hewett also contested the singles title earlier in the day but was pipped to the silverware by world No.2 Tokito Oda 6-2, 7-6(6). The Brit and world No.1 found himself on the backfoot from the off, with Oda edging towards a 5-0 lead to take the opening set.
Despite Hewett clawing back from a 2-0 deficit to force a second set tie-break, the 17-year-old from Japan proved too strong to break down, and eventually sealed the victory.
Next up, Hewett and Reid will head to Melbourne Park to contest in the Australian Open men's singles and double's draw, which will get underway on Tuesday 23 January through to Satruday 27 January.
The British pair will be looking to secure a fifth successive doubles trophy at the tournament, while Hewett will be looking to make it two from two as he gears up to defend his title.
