TURIN — In a heart-stopping finale that pushed the limits of endurance and skill, Great Britain's Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid saw their quest for a historic fourth NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters title come to a agonizing end. The top seeds were defeated 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5) by their longtime rivals, the Dutch duo of Joachim Gérard and Maikel Scheffers, in a match that lasted a grueling three hours and thirty-eight minutes.
The British pair, who have dominated the men's wheelchair doubles scene for years, were aiming to break the record they jointly held with the legendary Dutch pair of Robin Ammerlaan and Michael Jeremiasz. A victory would have secured an unprecedented fourth championship at the season-ending event, a testament to their enduring excellence. Instead, they were left to rue missed opportunities in a contest filled with breathtaking rallies and razor-thin margins.
An Epic Battle from the Start
From the first serve, it was evident that the final would be a classic. Both teams held serve with relative ease in the opening set, leading to a tie-break where Hewett and Reid’s precision under pressure gave them the early advantage. The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither pair able to secure a break until the twelfth game, where a rare double fault from Hewett gave the Dutch a crucial break to level the match. The intensity never wavered in the decider, which also progressed to a tie-break, ultimately culminating in a final, championship-winning forehand from Scheffers.
Reflecting on the monumental effort, a visibly drained Gordon Reid stated in the post-match press conference: "It's tough to take. We had our chances, especially in that second set tie-break. It was one of those matches that could have gone either way, and today it went theirs. You have to credit Joachim and Maikel; they played the big points incredibly well when it mattered most."
The Weight of History and Rivalry
The match was more than just a final; it was the latest chapter in a storied rivalry. Hewett and Reid have been the team to beat for the better part of a decade, but Gérard and Scheffers have consistently been their most formidable challengers. The Dutch pair’s victory marks their second Masters title as a team, adding a significant trophy to their collection and proving their resilience after losing to the Brits in several major finals earlier in the season.
For Alfie Hewett, the loss was particularly poignant. Alongside his partner's quest for the record, he was also attempting to complete a rare calendar-year Golden Slam in doubles, having already won the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the Paralympic gold medal in Paris. The Masters title was the final piece of that puzzle. "It’s a bitter pill to swallow," Hewett admitted. "We came here with a clear goal, and to fall at the final hurdle in such a tight match is devastating. The Golden Slam was a dream, but it doesn't take away from what we've achieved this year."
A Match of Fine Margins and Key Moments
The statistics from the match reveal just how evenly contested it was. The winners-to-unforced-errors ratio was nearly identical for both teams, and the total points won were separated by a mere two points in favor of the champions. The outcome hinged on a few critical moments where the Dutch duo displayed nerves of steel. Key factors in the match included:
- The Second Set Break: Hewett's double fault at 5-6, 30-40 handed the set to the Dutch and shifted the momentum.
- Net Dominance: Gérard and Scheffers won a significantly higher percentage of points when approaching the net, a key tactical victory.
- The Final Tie-break: A minibreak against the serve of Reid at 5-5 in the third-set tie-break proved to be the final, decisive blow.
Joachim Gérard, a former singles champion himself, acknowledged the monumental effort required to dethrone the Brits. "To beat Alfie and Gordon, you have to play your absolute best tennis for three, four hours," he said. "They never give you anything for free. We knew we had to be aggressive and take risks on our returns, and thankfully, it paid off in the end. This is one of the biggest wins of our careers."
Looking Ahead After a Stellar Season
Despite the disappointment, the 2024 season remains one of the most successful in the illustrious partnership of Hewett and Reid. Their haul includes three Grand Slam titles and a Paralympic gold medal, cementing their status as one of the greatest doubles teams in the history of wheelchair tennis. The loss in Turin serves as a reminder of the fierce competitiveness at the top of the sport and provides motivation for the season to come.
The tournament director, Fabrizio D'Agostino, praised both teams for their display. "We witnessed something truly special today. The level of tennis, the sportsmanship, and the sheer will to win from both pairs was inspirational. This is exactly what the NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters is all about – crowning the best of the best after an epic battle."
While the record fourth title will have to wait, the legacy of Hewett and Reid is already secure. Their relentless pursuit of greatness continues to elevate the profile of wheelchair tennis, and this epic final in Turin, though a loss, will be remembered as another classic chapter in their remarkable story. The focus now shifts to the off-season and the inevitable preparation to reclaim their crown in 2025.