PARIS — British wheelchair tennis stars Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett have secured their place in the men’s doubles final at the French Open for the sixth consecutive year, continuing their dominance in the sport. The top-seeded duo defeated Argentina’s Gustavo Fernández and France’s Nicolas Peifer in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) in a thrilling semifinal clash on Thursday.
A Historic Partnership
Reid and Hewett, who first teamed up in 2017, have since become one of the most successful doubles pairings in wheelchair tennis history. Their latest victory at Roland Garros extends their remarkable streak, having won the title in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 (the 2020 edition was held in October due to the pandemic). "It’s incredible to be back in another final," said Hewett after the match.
The British duo’s chemistry and tactical brilliance were on full display against Fernández and Peifer, a formidable pairing in their own right. Reid’s precision at the net and Hewett’s powerful groundstrokes proved too much for their opponents. "We knew it would be a tough match, but we stuck to our game plan and executed well," Reid noted.
Road to the Final
The path to the final has been a testament to their consistency and resilience. Here’s a breakdown of their journey this year:
- First Round: Defeated Tom Egberink (NED) and Joachim Gérard (BEL) 6-2, 6-1
- Quarterfinals: Overcame Martín de la Puente (ESP) and Maikel Scheffers (NED) 6-3, 6-4
- Semifinals: Triumphed over Fernández and Peifer 6-3, 6-4
Their ability to adapt to different playing styles has been key. "Every match is a new challenge, but we trust each other completely," Hewett emphasized.
The Final Showdown
In the final, Reid and Hewett will face the second-seeded Dutch duo, Ruben Spaargaren and Tom Egberink, who defeated Stéphane Houdet (FRA) and Takashi Sanada (JPN) in the other semifinal. The British pair holds a 3-1 head-to-head record against Spaargaren and Egberink, but the Dutch team has been in strong form this season.
"We know they’ll come out fighting, but so will we," Reid said. "It’s about staying focused and playing our best tennis."
Key Stats Ahead of the Final
- Grand Slam Titles Together: 16 (including 5 French Open titles)
- 2023 Win-Loss Record: 22-2
- Longest Winning Streak: 18 matches (2021-2022)
A Legacy of Excellence
Beyond their French Open success, Reid and Hewett have dominated the wheelchair tennis circuit, winning multiple Grand Slam titles across all surfaces. Their partnership has redefined the sport, inspiring a new generation of players. "We push each other to be better every day," Hewett shared.
Their coach, Martyn Whait, praised their dedication: "Their work ethic is unmatched. They’re always looking for ways to improve, even after all these years."
Looking Ahead
With the French Open final looming, Reid and Hewett are poised to add another chapter to their storied careers. A victory would mark their sixth Roland Garros title together, further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest doubles pairings in wheelchair tennis history. "We’re not done yet," Reid declared with a smile.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Fans worldwide will be watching as the British duo aims to continue their reign at Roland Garros. "It’s always special playing here," Hewett said. "We’ll give it everything we’ve got."