Britain’s Alfie Hewett captured his fifth US Open men’s wheelchair singles title on Sunday, defeating top seed Tokito Oda 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) in the final at Flushing Meadows. The victory denied the Japanese star a calendar-year Grand Slam sweep in 2026 and added to the doubles crown Hewett secured alongside fellow Briton Gordon Reid on Friday.
Redemption after Wimbledon heartbreak
The 28-year-old entered the final having lost to Oda in the championship matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season. At SW19, Hewett managed just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 defeat, while Oda also triumphed at January’s Australian Open to complete the first three legs of the calendar-year Grand Slam.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hewett revealed that his Wimbledon loss prompted deep self-reflection. He said it made him “look in the mirror” and led to a period of reflection where he wanted to “be a little bit more like me” as he chased an 11th Grand Slam singles title.
Hewett reclaims his aggressive identity
“I’m known for being just as fearless, brave and courageous in big moments and I felt I was everything but that in Wimbledon,” Hewett said. “I was quiet, I was timid, I was a shell of myself.”
“I think I have had six weeks of champing at the bit to come out and prove to myself that I can be more like that person.”
Dominant start and dramatic finish
Hewett described his first-set performance as “possessed.” After saving a break point in the opening game, he produced a commanding display to take the opener 6-0, capped by a superb backhand return winner.
The second set proved far tighter. Oda built a double-break lead and held three set points to force a decider, but Hewett fought back to force a tie-break, where he ultimately prevailed 7-5 to seal the championship.
Oda gracious in defeat
Oda, who arrived in New York having won the previous six Grand Slam singles titles, acknowledged the magnitude of the missed opportunity during the on-court ceremony.
“Definitely I was trying to get the calendar year [Grand Slam] this year. This was the last part of it so it’s really tough for me, but I think Alfie deserved it today.”
