PARIS — British wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett secured a commanding victory in his French Open first-round singles match, setting up an all-British second-round clash with his doubles partner and longtime rival Gordon Reid.
Hewett Dominates Opening Match
The world No. 2 dispatched Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, showcasing his trademark precision and aggressive baseline play. Hewett, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, needed just 68 minutes to advance, capitalizing on Fernandez’s unforced errors while dictating play with his powerful forehand.
Speaking after the match, Hewett acknowledged the challenge but expressed satisfaction with his performance: "Gustavo’s always a tough opponent, but I felt sharp from the start. My serve was working well, and I stayed patient when I needed to."
Reid Awaits in Second Round
The win sets up a highly anticipated showdown with Reid, the 2016 Paralympic gold medalist and Hewett’s frequent doubles partner. The pair have dominated wheelchair tennis as a duo, winning 18 Grand Slam doubles titles together, but their singles rivalry is equally fierce.
Reid, seeded third, advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 win over France’s Nicolas Peifer. The Scot has struggled with injuries in recent years but looked in strong form, using his tactical intelligence to outmaneuver Peifer. "It’s always special playing Alfie," Reid said post-match. "We know each other’s games inside out, so it’ll come down to who executes better on the day."
A Rivalry for the Ages
Hewett and Reid have faced off in numerous high-stakes matches, including multiple Grand Slam finals. Their head-to-head record is tightly contested, with Hewett holding a slight edge in recent encounters. Key highlights of their rivalry include:
- 2023 US Open Final: Hewett won in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-1)
- 2022 Wimbledon Final: Reid triumphed in straight sets (6-1, 6-4)
- 2021 French Open Final: Hewett claimed victory (6-3, 6-1)
Hewett acknowledged the unique dynamic of facing Reid: "We push each other to be better. It’s always a battle, but that’s what makes it so rewarding."
Doubles Dominance Continues
Beyond their singles clash, Hewett and Reid remain the team to beat in doubles. The duo are defending champions at Roland Garros and are heavy favorites to add another title to their collection. Their chemistry and complementary playing styles—Hewett’s power and Reid’s finesse—make them nearly unbeatable.
Hewett emphasized their partnership’s strength: "We’ve been through so much together on and off the court. That trust translates into our matches."
Looking Ahead
The second-round match is scheduled for Thursday on Court 14, with the winner likely facing top seed Tokito Oda of Japan in the semifinals. Hewett, who lost to Oda in last year’s final, is determined to reclaim the title: "I’ve got unfinished business here. But first, I’ve got to get past Gordy—that’s never easy."
Reid, meanwhile, is relishing the challenge: "Alfie’s one of the best in the world, but I’ve beaten him before. I’ll give it everything."
Conclusion
The Hewett-Reid showdown promises to be a highlight of the tournament, blending fierce competition with mutual respect. Whether in singles or doubles, the British duo continue to elevate wheelchair tennis, inspiring fans worldwide.
As Hewett put it: "This is why we play—for these moments. It’s going to be a great match."