Alfie Hewett targeting strong end to successful 2023 season

By Abi Curran, Sportsbeat

Alfie Hewett insists he is hungry to translate his stunning season on grass into hard court success across the pond ahead of next month’s US Open.

The Norfolk tennis star, 25, clinched his fifth Wimbledon men’s wheelchair doubles title alongside Gordon Reid this summer before claiming two crowns at the British Open Wheelchair Championships, including the doubles title with Reid once again.

But all focus is now firmly fixated on the US Open in September, where the decorated duo will look to regain their American Grand Slam crown in New York after being dethroned by Martin de la Puente and Nicolas Peifer last year.

Hewett said: “If you said at the start of the year that we would have had the summer that we had, then we would’ve bitten your hand off for it.

“New York’s been a great place for me to go and play and we lost last year as a pair so we’re going to try and win it back this time round.

“We love the vibe and the atmosphere there and it’s another chance to compete.

“There are fewer tournaments for us to play in the calendar this time of year so I’m just looking forward to getting out there with Gordon and in the singles as well to hopefully go and take both titles.”

The back-to-back Queens, Wimbledon and British Open-winning pair were at SW19’s Aorangi courts supporting Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.

Hewett lost out on claiming his first Wimbledon singles title after falling in the final to 17-year-old Tokito Oda in straight sets.

But him and Reid remain resurgent in the men’s doubles format, now bidding to build valuable moment heading into another shot at Paralympic glory in Paris next summer.

Scottish star Reid, 31, added: “The US Open will be here before we know it so we’re both just trying to enjoy this training block period at home while we can.

“It’s going to be great to get out there with Alfie next month and I can’t wait to see how we do out there.

“It’s been such a busy summer and we’ve seen some good wins right across the board for British tennis this year, whether that be doubles, singles or wheelchair.

“Wimbledon is the big one that everyone focuses on and it’s great to be a part of that.

“When you come here even outside of the Championships, you get that feeling that you are somewhere special, there’s a bit of an aura about the place.”

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition that gives players an opportunity to follow in their heroes’ footsteps and compete at Wimbledon. The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition to more players in 2023 with an Adult Doubles pathway, alongside Visual Impairment, Learning Disability and Wheelchair tennis categories.