Alfie Hewett has reclaimed his throne at the US Open, capturing his fifth men’s wheelchair singles title with a commanding 6-0 7-6 (7-5) victory over Japan’s Tokito Oda. The triumph halts Oda’s pursuit of a clean Grand Slam sweep in 2026, denying the Japanese player a perfect year across tennis’s four major championships.
The British champion’s dominance in the first set proved particularly striking, dropping just zero games as he dismantled his opponent. Though Oda mounted a stronger challenge in the second set, forcing a tiebreaker, Hewett held firm when it mattered most to secure the crown in New York.
Redemption After Earlier Losses
This victory carries particular significance given Hewett’s recent struggles against the same opponent. Earlier in the season, Oda defeated Hewett at both the French Open and Wimbledon, establishing himself as the player to beat across the grass and clay courts. The New York result represents a dramatic reversal in their head-to-head fortunes.
Hewett attributed his resurgence to introspection and renewed mental clarity. “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 reflected on his earlier defeat. The 27-year-old described his performance at the US Open as “possessed,” suggesting a player fully engaged and operating at peak intensity when his season needed it most.
The British star’s fifth US Open crown cements his status among wheelchair tennis’s elite performers on the sport’s biggest stages. With Gordon Reid among the notable figures in the men’s wheelchair division, Hewett’s consistent excellence across multiple seasons underscores his ability to compete at the highest level.
Oda’s bid to complete an unprecedented Grand Slam sweep comes to an end in Queens, though the Japanese player’s performances throughout 2026 have already established him as a formidable force in wheelchair tennis on the major stage.