NEW YORK — British wheelchair tennis stars Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid have once again demonstrated their formidable partnership, cruising into the men’s doubles final at the 2024 US Open with a commanding straight-sets victory.
The top-seeded duo, who are chasing a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title together, dispatched the Dutch-South African pairing of Tom Egberink and Donald Ramphadi with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win on Thursday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Their performance was a masterclass in precision and power, leaving their opponents with few answers. The victory sets up a final showdown against the second-seeded French team of Stéphane Houdet and Guillaume Jouan, a pairing they know well and have bested on numerous occasions on the sport's biggest stages.
A Dominant Path to the Final
Hewett and Reid’s journey to this year’s final has been characterized by their characteristic efficiency and dominance. They have yet to drop a set in the tournament, showcasing a level of synergy that has become their trademark. Their understanding of each other's movement and shot selection makes them one of the most successful doubles pairings in the history of the sport, across all disciplines.
The key elements of their semi-final win included:
- Relentless Returning: They applied constant pressure on their opponents' serves from the outset.
- Clinical Net Play: Both players were aggressive and precise at the net, cutting off angles and finishing points.
- Unbreakable Team Cohesion: Their communication and court coverage were, as always, nearly flawless.
Reflecting on the match, Gordon Reid noted, "We started really strongly today. We were aggressive from the first point, returned well, and served solidly. It's always good to get through to another final here in New York with minimal fuss."
Chasing a 24th Grand Slam Crown
A victory in the final would mark their 24th major title as a pair, further cementing a legacy that is already unparalleled in wheelchair tennis. Their Grand Slam haul is a testament to their longevity and consistent excellence. Their trophy cabinet includes:
- 10 Australian Open titles
- 8 French Open titles
- 4 Wimbledon titles
- 1 US Open title (prior to the 2024 final)
Interestingly, the US Open has been the most challenging Slam for the pair to conquer, with their sole victory in New York coming in 2021. They finished as runners-up in both 2022 and 2023, adding extra motivation to reclaim the title this year. Alfie Hewett emphasized this point, stating, "It's been a couple of years since we won here, so we're hungry to put that right."
A Formidable Partnership Forged in Adversity
The Hewett and Reid partnership is more than just a successful sporting duo; it is a story of mutual support and shared ambition. Both players have spoken openly about how they push each other to greater heights. Reid’s tactical intelligence and rock-solid baseline game perfectly complement Hewett’s explosive power and aggressive shot-making.
Their rivalry in singles—where they are also among the world's best—only serves to strengthen their doubles play. They know each other's games intimately, which allows them to anticipate each other's moves and construct points with almost telepathic understanding. This dynamic has been crucial to their success over nearly a decade of competition.
The Final Hurdle: A Familiar Foe
Standing between them and history are their seasoned rivals, Stéphane Houdet and Guillaume Jouan of France. Houdet, a legend of the game with numerous Grand Slam titles himself, brings vast experience, while Jouan provides powerful hitting and athleticism. The British pair will need to be at their best to overcome this challenge.
Hewett acknowledged the threat, saying, "They're a strong team. Stéphane has so much experience and knows how to win these big matches. We'll have to recover well, analyze their game, and be ready for a battle. We know what we need to do."
The final is not just about adding another number to their incredible tally; it's about continuing a legacy of British dominance in the sport and inspiring a new generation of athletes with disabilities. Their success has brought unprecedented attention to wheelchair tennis and has solidified Great Britain's status as a powerhouse in the discipline.
A Legacy of Greatness and Inspiration
Beyond the trophies and records, Hewett and Reid’s impact is measured in the inspiration they provide. Their professionalism, sportsmanship, and relentless drive for improvement set a standard for athletes everywhere. They have shown that with determination and partnership, any barrier can be overcome.
As they prepare to step onto the court for yet another Grand Slam final, the tennis world watches in anticipation. Whether they secure their 24th major title or face the heartbreak of another near-miss in New York, one thing is certain: Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid have already secured their place as all-time greats, and their story is far from over.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the US Open wheelchair men’s doubles event. Hewett and Reid will look to channel their semi-final momentum into one more flawless performance, aiming to once again hold the trophy aloft and celebrate another historic chapter in their remarkable careers.