NEW YORK — Britain's Alfie Hewett began his quest for a third consecutive US Open wheelchair singles title in commanding fashion on Wednesday, defeating American wildcard Charlie Cooper 6-0, 6-1 in just 49 minutes.
The world number one was joined in the second round by compatriots Gordon Reid, Andy Lapthorne, and Lucy Shuker, marking a dominant start for the British contingent at Flushing Meadows.
Hewett, who also claimed his fourth consecutive Wimbledon singles crown in July, was in imperious form on the hard courts, showcasing the power and precision that has defined his reign at the top of the sport.
Reflecting on his efficient start, Hewett said, "It's always nice to get the first match out of the way. You're a little bit nervous coming in as defending champion, but I felt like I handled it well and performed solidly."
Hewett's Relentless Pursuit of History
The 26-year-old from Norfolk is not merely defending titles; he is chasing history. A third straight US Open crown would be his eighth major singles title overall, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
His performance against Cooper was a masterclass in focus. Hewett broke serve immediately and never looked back, ruthlessly capitalizing on every opportunity and giving his opponent no quarter.
Key aspects of Hewett's dominant victory included:
- A devastating first-serve percentage that kept Cooper on the back foot.
- Aggressive returning that broke the American's serve six times.
- Minimal unforced errors, maintaining constant pressure throughout the match.
Hewett will face either Argentina's Gustavo Fernandez or Japan's Takashi Sanada in the quarter-finals, a match for which he will be the overwhelming favourite.
Reid and Shuker Advance in Straight Sets
In the men's singles draw, Gordon Reid also secured a convincing straight-sets win, defeating South Africa's Donald Ramphadi 6-3, 6-1. The 2016 champion looked sharp and will face a sterner test next against either Fernandez or Sanada.
Reid, a doubles partner and frequent singles rival of Hewett's, expressed satisfaction with his start. "It was a good, solid performance to start the tournament. I executed my game plan well and I'm happy to be through," he stated.
In the women's draw, Lucy Shuker battled past American Emmanuelle Morch 6-4, 6-4. Shuker's experience proved crucial in key moments, and she moves on to face the formidable world number one, Diede de Groot of the Netherlands.
Lapthorne Triumphs in All-British Quad Singles Clash
The quad singles draw featured a first-round all-British battle, with two-time champion Andy Lapthorne overcoming newcomer Gregory Slade 6-1, 6-2. The match provided valuable experience for Slade, who was making his US Open singles debut.
For Lapthorne, the victory was a positive step towards another deep run in a tournament he has always enjoyed. "It's never easy playing a fellow Brit, especially one as talented as Gregory. I'm pleased with how I played and am looking forward to the next challenge," Lapthorne said.
Lapthorne's next opponent will be top seed and defending champion Niels Vink of the Netherlands, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final clash. Vink has been the dominant force in the quad division, making this a crucial test for the Briton.
Doubles Dominance Also in Sight
While the singles draws are underway, the British players are also heavily favoured to challenge for doubles glory. The pairing of Hewett and Reid is one of the most successful in all of tennis, having completed the calendar Grand Slam in 2021.
They are seeking their fifth consecutive US Open title and their 19th major as a partnership. Similarly, Andy Lapthorne is a formidable force in quad doubles, often partnering with American David Wagner.
The depth of British wheelchair tennis was on full display on Day Three of the tournament. With four players advancing in singles and strong doubles partnerships yet to begin their campaigns, the Union Jack is set to fly high in New York.
The success story extends beyond the veterans. The presence of Gregory Slade, a product of the LTA's Wheelchair Tennis Performance Pathway, highlights the strong pipeline of talent developing beneath the established stars.
A Look Ahead: Tough Tests Await
The second round and quarter-finals promise much tougher challenges for the British squad. Hewett and Reid remain on a collision course to meet in the final, but must navigate a draw filled with the world's best.
The most anticipated match-up is undoubtedly Lapthorne's clash with Niels Vink. The Dutch star has been nearly unbeatable, but Lapthorne's fighting spirit and experience on the big stage make him a dangerous opponent.
Lucy Shuker faces the monumental task of taking on Diede de Groot, who is herself pursuing a historic calendar Golden Slam after winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and Paralympic gold this year.
Despite the daunting challenges ahead, the British team has sent a clear message with its first-round performances: they are here to compete, and they are here to win.
As Hewett succinctly put it after his match, "The job is only one percent done. I'm happy with the start, but the focus immediately shifts to the next one. The level only gets higher from here."
With that championship mentality permeating the British camp, fans can expect more thrilling performances as the tournament progresses towards finals weekend.