MELBOURNE — The defence of the Australian Open men’s wheelchair singles title has come to an end for Britain’s Alfie Hewett, who fell in a gripping semi-final to Spain’s Martin de la Puente on Thursday at Melbourne Park.
The world number two and top seed was beaten 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 in a marathon contest lasting two hours and 49 minutes on Court 3. The defeat halts Hewett’s quest for a ninth consecutive Grand Slam singles final and marks a significant upset, with the 26-year-old having dominated the event in recent years, winning the title in both 2022 and 2023.
A Gruelling Battle of Attrition
From the outset, it was clear this would be no straightforward affair for the defending champion. De la Puente, the world number five, played with relentless aggression and tactical discipline, targeting Hewett’s forehand wing and deploying a mix of deep drives and cleverly angled shots to move the Briton around the court. Hewett, known for his explosive power and competitive fire, struggled to find his rhythm, making a higher than usual number of unforced errors in the opening set. "I felt a bit flat from the start," Hewett admitted in his post-match press conference.
The second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Hewett dug deep, saving a match point at 5-4 down on his own serve with a courageous forehand winner. He then rallied to force a tie-break, where he showcased his champion’s mentality, clinching it 7-5 to send the match into a decider. The roar from the crowd signaled a belief that the great escape was on.
The Decisive Third Set
The final set, however, belonged decisively to the Spaniard. Where Hewett’s energy appeared to dip, de la Puente’s resolve strengthened. He broke Hewett’s serve in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead and never looked back, serving with impressive consistency and continuing to dictate play from the baseline. Hewett saved two more match points on his own serve at 2-5, but de la Puente served out the match to love in the next game, sealing a career-defining victory with a powerful drive down the line.
The statistics told the story of a match won on fine margins. De la Puente converted four of his nine break point opportunities, while Hewett managed just two from seven. Perhaps most tellingly, the Spaniard committed only 18 unforced errors across the three sets compared to Hewett’s 34. "Martin played the big points incredibly well today," a gracious Hewett conceded.
De la Puente's Historic Breakthrough
For Martin de la Puente, the 22-year-old from Barcelona, this victory represents a monumental breakthrough. He had never taken a set off Hewett in their four previous meetings. This win propels him into his first-ever Grand Slam singles final, where he will face either Japan’s Tokito Oda or Argentina’s Gustavo Fernández. "It’s an amazing feeling," de la Puente said, beaming. "Alfie is an amazing champion, so to beat him here in a Slam, especially from a set up and then losing the second, I’m super proud."
His journey to this point is a testament to perseverance. A consistent presence in the top ten, de la Puente has long been considered a threat, but breaking through the hegemony of the ‘Big Three’ in men’s wheelchair tennis—Hewett, Shingo Kunieda (now retired), and Joachim Gérard—has proven difficult for the entire next generation. This result signals a potential changing of the guard.
Hewett's Reaction and Looking Ahead
For Alfie Hewett, the disappointment was palpable but framed with perspective. The Briton has been managing a chronic knee issue and acknowledged that the physical and mental load of competing at the highest level across singles and doubles is immense. "It’s a tough one to take, of course," he stated. "But you have to credit Martin. He played a fantastic match and was the better player on the day. These things happen in sport."
Despite the singles exit, Hewett’s Australian Open is not over. He remains alive in the men’s wheelchair doubles alongside fellow Briton Gordon Reid, where they are the top seeds and defending champions. The pair are chasing their fourth consecutive Australian Open doubles title and their 19th Grand Slam crown as a partnership. Hewett will now likely channel his competitive focus into that campaign.
The Wider Landscape of the Sport
This result underscores the increasing depth and competitiveness in men’s wheelchair tennis. For years, a small group of players dominated the majors. Now, a cohort of talented athletes like de la Puente, Oda, and Fernández are consistently challenging and proving they can win the biggest titles. Key factors in this shift include:
- Increased Professionalism: Better funding, coaching, and sports science support for a wider pool of players.
- Youth Development: Successful junior programs are feeding talented players onto the tour.
- Strategic Evolution: Players are developing more complete games, combining power with tactical nuance.
The defeat ends Hewett’s 13-match winning streak at the Australian Open and his bid for a seventh Grand Slam singles title. It also opens the door for a new champion to be crowned in Melbourne, guaranteeing a first-time winner of this event since 2021.
Conclusion: A Turning Point?
While one loss does not dethrone a champion of Alfie Hewett’s calibre, Martin de la Puente’s victory feels like a significant moment. It proves that the summit of the sport is no longer the exclusive domain of one or two players. For Hewett, it will be a case of regrouping, managing his body, and returning with the fierce determination that has defined his career. "You learn more from losses than you do from wins," he reflected.
As the tennis world turns its eyes to the final between de la Puente and his opponent, one thing is certain: the landscape of men’s wheelchair tennis is more dynamic and unpredictable than ever. The Spaniard’s triumph is a reward for years of hard work and a powerful message to the entire tour: the next generation has arrived, and they are ready to claim their place at the top.