The short version
- Alfie Hewett defeated Daniel Caverzaschi decisively to reach the quarter-finals, where he will face American Casey Ratzlaff.
- Gordon Reid overcame Stephane Houdet in a three-set battle, earning a semi-final clash with defending champion Tokito Oda.
- The British pair also advanced in doubles competition, aiming for a sixth consecutive US Open title together.
British wheelchair tennis players Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid have successfully navigated the round of sixteen at the US Open, advancing to the quarter-finals of the men's singles draw. Their progress on Wednesday evening ensures that two of Britain’s most prominent figures in the sport will remain in contention for gold medals in New York. The results highlight a contrast in their respective paths through this stage of the tournament, with Hewett displaying dominant control while Reid endured a grueling physical test.
Hewett, currently ranked as the number two seed, entered the match with significant pedigree at this venue. He has captured four men's wheelchair singles titles at the US Open, with his most recent victory occurring in 2023. Against Spain’s Daniel Caverzaschi, Hewett required minimal effort to secure his place in the next round. He dropped only two games throughout the contest, closing out the match with a scoreline of 6-0, 6-2. This efficient performance sets up a quarter-final encounter against American Casey Ratzlaff, who will be looking to upset the higher-ranked British player.
In stark contrast, Gordon Reid faced a much more demanding challenge against France’s Stephane Houdet. The match extended into three sets and lasted two hours and thirteen minutes, testing Reid’s endurance and mental resilience. After taking the opening set 6-3, Reid surrendered the second set 7-5 before reclaiming momentum to win the final set 6-2. The victory was hard-fought, reflecting the competitive depth of the field as players vie for positions in the latter stages of the Grand Slam event.
Reid’s path forward presents a formidable obstacle. He is scheduled to face Tokito Oda of Japan in the semi-finals. Oda enters this matchup as the top seed and the defending champion, having established a dominant run by winning the past six Grand Slam singles titles. The upcoming contest will serve as a critical benchmark for Reid, who must overcome one of the most successful players in modern wheelchair tennis history to reach the final.
Beyond their individual campaigns, Hewett and Reid are also competing together in the men's wheelchair doubles event. The pair is attempting to secure a sixth US Open doubles title, continuing their legacy as one of the most successful partnerships in the sport. They advanced from the opening round on Tuesday, positioning themselves for a semi-final clash against Tokito Oda and his Argentine partner Gustavo Fernandez. This doubles semi-final will feature two of the top seeds in the field, promising another high-level contest between elite competitors.
The British contingent experienced mixed fortunes in other categories during the same day. Andy Lapthorne and Greg Slade were eliminated in the first round of the quad singles competition. Lapthorne fell to Niels Vink of the Netherlands, the top seed in that division, with a score of 6-2, 6-1. Similarly, Slade was defeated by Argentina’s Gonzalo Lazarte, losing 6-4, 6-2. These early exits mark the end of their singles campaigns at this year's tournament.
Despite the singles losses, Lapthorne remains in contention for a medal in the quad doubles event. He has advanced to the semi-finals alongside his South African partner Leon Els. Their continued presence in the draw offers another opportunity for British success in New York, even as the singles prospects for the quad division have concluded. The focus now shifts to the remaining matches, where Hewett and Reid will look to capitalize on their momentum.
The upcoming quarter-final and semi-final matches will determine whether Hewett and Reid can add to their respective title counts at the US Open. For Hewett, a victory over Ratzlaff would keep alive his hopes of matching or exceeding his previous success in New York. For Reid, overcoming Oda would represent a significant breakthrough against the current dominant force in the sport. The doubles semi-final against Oda and Fernandez adds another layer of complexity to their schedule, requiring careful management of energy and focus.
As the tournament progresses, the performance of these British athletes will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Their ability to navigate the challenging draws ahead will define their legacy at this year's US Open. Whether they can maintain their form in singles or secure another doubles triumph remains to be seen, but their advancement to this stage underscores their status as leading contenders in international wheelchair tennis.
The results from Wednesday also set the stage for a compelling conclusion to the wheelchair events at the US Open. With top seeds and defending champions still in play, the competition remains intense. Hewett’s straightforward victory and Reid’s hard-earned win illustrate the varying demands of each match. As they prepare for their next opponents, both players must adapt to different styles and pressures, ensuring that the final days of the tournament deliver high-quality tennis.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Hewett and Reid into last eight of US Open singles
