Foundations laid for Hewett and Reid's grass-court season at Queen's

By Abi Curran at the Queen's Club

Alfie Hewett insists the foundations of his grass-court season have been laid as he won the men’s wheelchair singles at the LTA’s cinch Championships.

Against doubles partner Gordon Reid, Hewett took the first set 6-4 and was forced to a match tie-break by the West Dunbartonshire player but Hewett eventually took victory, 6-4 5-7 10-6.

Last year, Hewett was beaten by Belgium’s Joachim Gerard in the singles wheelchair final at Queen’s, making victory 12 months on even sweeter.

Following their singles final, Hewett and Reid teamed up to face Gerard and Tom Egberink in the doubles final, falling just short 7-5 6-2.

Hewett said: “As players, you want to get as much grass-court action under your belt, and what better way to do it than here in London?

“All four players who are here are really good grass-court players and it’s very early on with the transition and winning both matches is something I can build on.

“We’re building towards the end which is Wimbledon but to be here in front of so many fans, this is the best crowd we’ve had consistently.

“We’ve got so many opportunities to showcase our sport at such a prestigious and big event, it’s massive for us and it really helps increase that visibility.

“It’s not just about the grass and the tennis, it’s something so much more powerful than that.”

Reid and Hewett equalled the overall record for Grand Slam doubles titles won by any partnership earlier this month, winning their fifth French Open title together on the Roland Garros clay, matching Althea Louise Brough and Margaret Evelyn Du Pont’s 20 titles.

Back on grass, the five-time Wimbledon doubles winners will head to the LTA’s Eastbourne International next week before the LTA’s Lexus British Open to maximise their preparations for SW19.

Reid said: “It was a good couple of days, we’re straight into the action after a few days off on clay.

“Wimbledon is the big one and we want to peak for that.

“It’ll be a great opportunity to be at Eastbourne again which is the first time we’ve had a full ranking event there which will be great.

“It’s a new-look grass season for us and it’s exciting.

“I was happy to get the minutes under the belt on court and I’m looking forward to next week now.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website