NEW YORK — Defending champions Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid of Great Britain made a commanding start to their quest for a fourth consecutive US Open men’s wheelchair doubles title, dismantling the Dutch-Belgian duo of Tom Egberink and Joachim Gérard with a decisive 6-1, 6-0 victory on Thursday.
The top-seeded pair, who have dominated the discipline for years, needed just 48 minutes on Court 5 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to secure their passage into the semi-finals, displaying a level of synergy and precision that left their experienced opponents with few answers.
From the first serve, Hewett and Reid established their authority, breaking serve early and often. Their aggressive returning and flawless net play created constant pressure, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the entire match and never letting Egberink and Gérard settle into a rhythm.
A Dominant Display from the Outset
The first set was a masterclass in efficient doubles. Hewett’s powerful groundstrokes from the baseline were perfectly complemented by Reid’s sharp reflexes and tactical acumen at the net. The Brits raced to a 5-0 lead before conceding a single game, demonstrating why they are the team to beat every time they step onto the court.
Speaking after the match, Gordon Reid highlighted their effective start as a key factor. "We came out with good intensity, we returned well, and we took our chances when they came," he said. "It's always important to get that first break and settle into the match, and we managed to do that today."
The second set was an even more emphatic statement. Hewett and Reid continued their relentless assault, refusing to offer their opponents even a glimpse of a opportunity. They closed out the match without dropping another game, a testament to their focus and championship mentality.
The Pursuit of a Golden Slam
This victory in New York is a crucial step in Hewett and Reid’s ambitious goal for the 2024 season: achieving the Calendar Year Golden Slam in doubles. Having already clinched the Australian Open and Roland-Garros titles earlier this year, a win at Flushing Meadows would leave only the trophy in Paris to complete an unprecedented clean sweep of all four majors and a Paralympic gold medal in a single year.
The pair’s chemistry, built over nearly a decade of partnership, is their greatest asset. Their ability to anticipate each other's movements and cover the court is unparalleled in the sport. Alfie Hewett acknowledged this unique bond, noting, "We know each other's games inside out now. That understanding allows us to play instinctively, which is a huge advantage, especially in the big moments."
Their list of accomplishments together is staggering:
- 8 consecutive Grand Slam titles (2022-2024)
- 17 Grand Slam doubles titles as a team
- Completed the Career Grand Slam multiple times over
- Paralympic Silver (2016) and Gold (2020) medals
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
With the first-round hurdle cleared, Hewett and Reid will now face the winner of the match between the second-seeded Argentine pair of Gustavo Fernández and Alex Cataldo and the all-Japanese team of Tokito Oda and Takuya Miki. A potential final against their long-time rivals, Stéphane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer of France, who are in the opposite half of the draw, remains a tantalizing prospect.
Despite their dominant performance, both players emphasized the need to maintain focus. "Every match is a new challenge," Hewett stated. "We can't afford to look too far ahead. We'll recover, analyze our next opponents, and prepare for another tough battle."
The British duo’s success has been a cornerstone of Paralympic sport in the UK, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Their consistent excellence and professional approach to the game have raised the profile of wheelchair tennis globally, showcasing the incredible athleticism and competitive spirit of the sport.
A Legacy of Greatness
As they continue their campaign in New York, Hewett and Reid are not just playing for another title; they are cementing a legacy as one of the most successful doubles partnerships in the history of the sport. Their relentless drive for improvement, even after achieving virtually everything there is to achieve, sets them apart.
Gordon Reid reflected on their journey, saying, "When we started out, we never imagined we'd win this many titles. It's been an incredible journey, and we still have that hunger to keep winning and keep pushing each other to be better."
The semi-final match is scheduled for Friday, promising another display of world-class wheelchair tennis. If their first-round performance is any indication, Hewett and Reid are in formidable form and will be incredibly difficult to stop as they speed towards yet another final at Flushing Meadows.
The British fans and the wider tennis world will be watching closely, eager to see if this legendary partnership can continue its march towards history and take one step closer to that elusive Golden Slam, a feat that would forever etch their names in the annals of sporting greatness.