PARIS — British wheelchair tennis stars Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid began their quest for a sixth consecutive French Open doubles title with a commanding victory in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros. The top-seeded duo defeated Argentina’s Gustavo Fernández and France’s Nicolas Peifer 6-3, 6-2, showcasing their dominance on the clay courts.
A Strong Start to Their Title Defence
Hewett and Reid, who have won the last five French Open doubles titles together, wasted no time asserting their authority. The pair broke early in both sets, capitalizing on their opponents’ errors while maintaining their trademark precision and teamwork. "We came out with a clear game plan, and it worked well today," Reid said in a post-match interview.
The British duo’s chemistry was evident as they seamlessly covered the court, with Hewett’s powerful groundstrokes complementing Reid’s deft net play. Their opponents, both accomplished singles players, struggled to find rhythm against the relentless pressure. "When we’re in sync like that, it’s tough for anyone to break us down," Hewett added.
The Road to a Sixth Title
A sixth consecutive title would further cement Hewett and Reid’s legacy as one of the greatest doubles pairings in wheelchair tennis history. Their dominance at Roland Garros dates back to 2018, and they show no signs of slowing down. Key factors in their success include:
- Unmatched Coordination: Their ability to anticipate each other’s movements is unparalleled.
- Adaptability: They adjust seamlessly to different opponents and court conditions.
- Mental Toughness: They thrive under pressure, especially in tight moments.
Their next challenge will be a semi-final clash against either the Dutch pair of Tom Egberink and Maikel Scheffers or France’s Stéphane Houdet and Frédéric Cattaneo. "We know every match from here on out will be tough, but we’re ready," Reid emphasized.
Singles Success Adds to Momentum
Both Hewett and Reid are also competing in the singles draw, adding to their busy schedule. Hewett, the world No. 2, cruised through his opening match, while Reid, ranked No. 6, faced a tougher battle but prevailed in three sets. "Balancing singles and doubles is always a challenge, but we’re used to it," Hewett noted.
Hewett’s Dominance Continues
Hewett, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, is in scintillating form this season. His aggressive baseline game and improved serve have made him a formidable opponent on clay. "I’ve been working hard on my consistency, and it’s paying off," he said.
Reid’s Resilience Shines
Reid, a former world No. 1, has battled injuries in recent years but remains a fierce competitor. His ability to grind out wins, even when not at his best, underscores his experience. "I’ve learned to fight through adversity, and that’s what I did today," Reid shared.
Looking Ahead
With the semi-finals looming, Hewett and Reid are focused on maintaining their momentum. A potential final against second seeds Joachim Gérard of Belgium and Argentina’s Fernández could be a thrilling rematch of last year’s championship clash. "We take it one match at a time, but we’re here to win," Hewett stated.
The British pair’s success has inspired a new generation of wheelchair tennis players, and their continued excellence at Roland Garros is a testament to their dedication. "We want to keep pushing the sport forward and show what’s possible," Reid added.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Hewett and Reid as they chase history. Their blend of skill, teamwork, and determination makes them the favorites to lift the trophy once again. "We’re not done yet," Hewett concluded with a smile.
The French Open wheelchair doubles semi-finals are set to take place on Thursday, with the final scheduled for Saturday. Fans can expect high-intensity matches as the British duo continues their quest for a sixth straight title at Roland Garros.