LONDON — Defending champions Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid made a strong start to their Wimbledon wheelchair doubles campaign, securing a straight-sets victory to advance to the semi-finals. The British duo, who have dominated the event in recent years, showcased their trademark chemistry and resilience on Court 14.
Hewett and Reid, seeded No. 1, defeated the French-Swiss pairing of Stéphane Houdet and Niels Vink 6-4, 6-3 in a match that lasted just over an hour. The victory extends their unbeaten streak at Wimbledon to nine matches, having claimed the title in both 2022 and 2023. "We know each other's games inside out now," Reid said post-match. "That understanding is crucial in tight moments."
Dominant Start for the Defending Champions
The match began with both pairs trading breaks, but Hewett and Reid soon found their rhythm. Their ability to anticipate each other's movements and cover the court efficiently proved decisive. Key factors in their win included:
- Exceptional net play, winning 75% of points at the net
- Precision serving, with an 82% first-serve success rate
- Capitalizing on 3 of 5 break point opportunities
Hewett, the world No. 1 in singles, demonstrated why he's considered one of the most complete players in wheelchair tennis. His powerful groundstrokes and aggressive returns kept the opposition under constant pressure. "Alfie was phenomenal today," Reid remarked. "When he's hitting like that, it gives me the freedom to be more creative at the net."
Road to the Semi-Finals
The victory sets up a semi-final clash against either the second-seeded Dutch duo Tom Egberink and Maikel Scheffers or the all-French team of Nicolas Peifer and Frédéric Cattanéo. Hewett and Reid have a combined 12 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including:
- 4 Australian Open titles
- 3 French Open titles
- 2 Wimbledon titles
- 3 US Open titles
Their partnership, which began in 2017, has become one of the most successful in wheelchair tennis history. "What makes them special," said BBC commentator Andrew Cotter, "is how they complement each other. Hewett brings the power, Reid the finesse, and together they cover every inch of the court."
Overcoming Challenges
The match wasn't without its tense moments. At 4-4 in the first set, Hewett and Reid faced break points, but their experience shone through. They saved all three break points in that game, with Reid delivering two crucial volleys. "Those were big moments," Hewett admitted. "Gordon's hands at the net are probably the best in the game. When it gets tight, I know I can trust him to come up with something special."
The second set saw the British pair break early and maintain their advantage. Their ability to vary pace and placement kept Houdet and Vink guessing. Statistics showed:
- Winners: Hewett/Reid 28, Opponents 18
- Unforced errors: Hewett/Reid 12, Opponents 21
- Points won on second serve: Hewett/Reid 65%, Opponents 48%
Looking Ahead
With this win, Hewett and Reid remain on course for their third consecutive Wimbledon title. Their next opponents will present different challenges:
- Egberink/Scheffers: Powerful baseline game
- Peifer/Cattanéo: Exceptional doubles teamwork
The British pair's preparation has been meticulous. "We've been working on specific patterns for grass," Hewett revealed. "The ball stays lower here, so we've adjusted our positioning and worked on taking the ball earlier to take time away from our opponents."
Conclusion
As the tournament progresses, Hewett and Reid's confidence grows. Their seamless partnership and grass-court expertise make them formidable opponents. "We're taking it one match at a time," Reid said, "but we know what we're capable of when we play our best tennis. The support here at Wimbledon is incredible, and we want to give the fans more to cheer about." The semi-finals promise high-quality wheelchair tennis as the defending champions continue their quest for a historic three-peat.