LONDON — Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation on Saturday, watching Wimbledon action from the prestigious Royal Box. But now, the British wheelchair tennis stars are shifting focus to their own title defense at the All England Club, with Hewett admitting this year feels "different" as he prepares for a dual challenge.
A New Challenge Awaits
Hewett, the world No. 1 in singles and doubles, is aiming to defend both his Wimbledon singles and doubles titles alongside longtime partner Reid. The 26-year-old has dominated wheelchair tennis in recent years, but this season brings a unique twist: "There's a different feel this time," Hewett told BBC Sport. "Defending two titles adds pressure, but it's the kind of challenge I thrive on."
The duo has been nearly unstoppable in doubles, winning 18 Grand Slam titles together. However, Hewett's singles dominance—with seven major titles—makes him the favorite in both draws. Key factors in his preparation include:
- Adapting to Wimbledon's grass, which requires quicker reflexes
- Managing fatigue across back-to-back matches
- Balancing the mental demands of dual competitions
The Reid Partnership: A Winning Formula
Reid, a veteran of the sport, provides the perfect counterbalance to Hewett's aggressive style. "Gordon's experience is invaluable," Hewett said. "We know each other's games inside out, and that trust is what makes us so strong in doubles."
Their chemistry was evident last year when they defeated Argentina's Gustavo Fernández and Shingo Kunieda of Japan in straight sets. Reid, who won the inaugural Wimbledon wheelchair singles title in 2016, emphasized their shared mindset: "We don't just want to defend—we want to elevate our game further."
The Competition: Rising Threats
This year's field includes formidable challengers. Dutch star Tokito Oda, 18, has surged to world No. 2 in singles, while Fernández remains a persistent threat. In doubles, the French pair of Stéphane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer could disrupt Hewett and Reid's rhythm.
Hewett acknowledged the stakes: "Every year, the level gets higher. You can't afford to be off your game, even for a point." His recent French Open singles victory—where he saved match points against Oda—proves his clutch mentality.
A Home Crowd Advantage
Playing at Wimbledon brings extra motivation. "The support here is unreal," Reid said. "Hearing the crowd roar when we won last year—that's what we play for." The tournament's growing emphasis on wheelchair tennis, including expanded TV coverage, has added to the duo's drive.
Hewett, who was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to tennis, also highlighted the broader impact: "Every time we play here, we're inspiring the next generation of wheelchair athletes."
The Road Ahead
With the Paralympics in Paris looming, Wimbledon serves as a critical benchmark. Hewett and Reid are favorites for gold in both singles and doubles, but first, they must navigate the All England Club's grass. "This is where legacies are made," Hewett said. "We're ready."
Matches begin on Thursday, with Hewett opening his singles campaign against Belgium's Joachim Gérard. The doubles draw will follow, where the British pair will face either Japan's Takuya Miki and Tokito Oda or Argentina's Fernández and Kunieda.
For Hewett, the dual mission is clear: "I want to walk off that court knowing I gave everything. Titles are the goal, but it's the journey that defines us." With Reid by his side and a home crowd behind them, this Wimbledon could cement their status as all-time greats.