LONDON — In a day of compelling narratives at the All England Club, Great Britain's wheelchair tennis stars Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid navigated a complex path, setting up a tantalising all-British quarter-final clash in the men's singles before seamlessly transitioning to their dominant doubles partnership to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The second day of wheelchair tennis action at Wimbledon 2024 delivered high drama and familiar storylines, as the world No. 2 Hewett and the seasoned Reid, ranked No. 7, progressed through their respective second-round matches. Their victories on Court 3 ensured a blockbuster domestic showdown, a testament to the strength of British tennis but also a bittersweet moment as one title contender will be eliminated.
Hewett's Gritty Comeback Sets the Stage
Alfie Hewett, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, faced a stern test against Belgium's Joachim Gérard, the 2021 Wimbledon champion. In a match of fine margins and powerful serving, Hewett dropped the first set but demonstrated the champion's mentality that has defined his career. He rallied to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a tense two-hour battle. Reflecting on the match and the upcoming meeting with his friend and doubles partner, Hewett was pragmatic: "It's never easy playing Gordon, especially at a home Grand Slam. We know each other's games inside out. Today was about getting through a tough one against Joachim, and now the focus shifts. It's a match neither of us wants to lose, but it's also a great showcase for British wheelchair tennis."
Reid's Commanding Performance
On the adjacent court, 2016 Wimbledon champion Gordon Reid produced a masterclass in precision and tactical acumen to dispatch Spain's Martín de la Puente 6-2, 6-1. Reid's sliced backhand and aggressive returning were in full flow, breaking down his opponent's game efficiently. The Scot, who has enjoyed tremendous success alongside Hewett in doubles, acknowledged the peculiar dynamic ahead. "We'll be fierce competitors for a couple of hours, then we'll be back to being a team," Reid noted. "That's the unique challenge of our sport. You have to compartmentalise."
A Rivalry Forged in Partnership
The Hewett-Reid rivalry is one of the most respectful and prolific in sport. While they are fierce singles opponents, they form an almost unbeatable doubles duo, having secured a historic 'Calendar Grand Slam' in 2021 and numerous other titles. Their head-to-head record in singles is closely contested, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their quarter-final. Key aspects of their upcoming match include:
- Contrasting Styles: Hewett's explosive power and aggression versus Reid's crafty slice and tactical nous.
- Grand Slam Pedigree: Combined, they hold 10 Wimbledon singles and doubles titles between them.
- The Wimbledon Factor: Reid won the inaugural wheelchair singles title here in 2016; Hewett is seeking his first.
Seamless Transition to Doubles Dominance
Just hours after their singles triumphs, Hewett and Reid reunited on Court 3, pushing any thoughts of their impending showdown aside to focus on their doubles title defence. The top seeds looked in imperious form, defeating the French pair of Stéphane Houdet and Guillaume Joubert 6-1, 6-2. Their synergy was palpable, a well-oiled machine honed over years of partnership. Reid spoke to their ability to switch focus: "It's a weird feeling, but it's one we're used to. Once we step on court as a team, the goal is unified. We trust each other implicitly out there."
Their victory books a semi-final spot against the Dutch-Japanese combination of Tom Egberink and Tokito Oda. The prospect of adding a fourth Wimbledon doubles crown as a pair is a powerful motivator. Hewett emphasised the importance of the partnership: "What we've built together in doubles is special. It's a separate part of the tournament, a separate goal, and we're fully locked in on achieving it."
The Broader British Campaign
The success of Hewett and Reid headlines a strong British presence across the wheelchair events. In the women's draw, reigning champion and world No. 1 Diede de Groot continues her march, but British hopes are also alive in the quad division. However, the spotlight remains firmly on the men's singles quarter-final, a match that promises high-quality tennis and emotional complexity for the players and home supporters alike.
A tournament referee acknowledged the scheduling nuance, stating: "It's a unique situation where two team-mates and close friends must compete at such a crucial stage. Our priority is to ensure the match is scheduled fairly, allowing both players adequate recovery from their doubles exploits, and to celebrate what will undoubtedly be a showcase match for the sport."
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Victory
As the Wimbledon fortnight progresses, the narratives surrounding Hewett and Reid will diverge and converge. One will see their singles journey end, while the other will advance, carrying British hopes for a first men's wheelchair singles title since Reid's 2016 triumph. Yet, their shared quest for doubles glory continues unabated. This duality encapsulates the spirit of wheelchair tennis—intense individual competition underpinned by profound respect and successful collaboration. Their quarter-final is more than just a match; it is a chapter in one of British sport's most compelling partnerships. As they prepare to face each other, both men know that regardless of the outcome, their legacy as individuals and as a transformative duo for British tennis is already secure. The Wimbledon crowd will witness not just a battle for a semi-final place, but a celebration of a rivalry that has elevated the game.