Alfie Hewett secures maiden Wimbledon singles title to complete career Grand Slam with emotional victory
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Updated 14/07/2024 at 16:59 GMT
Alfie Hewett won his first Wimbledon wheelchair singles title with a convincing win over Spain’s Martin de la Puente to complete a career Grand Slam. The 26-year-old had fallen short in last two finals but was too strong for Martin de La Puente this time around and finally triumphed at the SW19 showpiece with an emotional victory. Hewett then won the men's doubles alongside Gordon Reid.
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Alfie Hewett won his maiden Wimbledon wheelchair singles title with a commanding win over Spain’s Martin de la Puente to complete a career Grand Slam, before adding the men's doubles later in the day.
It is a breathtaking slice of redemption for Hewett, who suffered agonising losses in the last two finals at SW19, but appeared completely composed en route to a convincing 6-2 6-3 win over the Spaniard on No. 1 Court.
“I am speechless to be honest," an emotional Hewett admitted. "These last few years have been difficult.
“Winning the doubles with Gordon (Reid) has been good memories, but to leave on a singles final loss has not been far off heartbreaking in the last couple of years.”
A powerful backhand sealed the deal for the 26-year-old, who then threw his racquet skyward and dropped his head into his hands with unbridled joy as the crowd roared in support.
Expectations were high for Hewett, who survived a marathon battle with Gustavo Fernandez on Friday in the semi-finals. Shortly after that, De la Puente shocked 2023 champion Tokita Oda.
Heading into the final, Hewett had won 21 of his 22 previous matches against De la Puente.
“When you’ve watched this ever since you were a young kid and it’s been a dream for so, so long, narrowly missing out has been a real tough one,” Hewett added.
“Last night I was a ball of nerves because I didn’t want to walk away with another loss and I am just really, really proud of my performance out there. And so grateful for all of you.”
“I want to thank my team, they are like a second family over there.
“We’ve gone through a lot together, a lot of highs and some lows, but you never fail to get me back to myself, back to my level.
“You kept believing in me. I think today proved that no matter how many times you can get knocked down, you can still get back up and keep trying. That is all down to you guys.”
Hewett clinched the first set in 40 minutes after the pair exchanged breaks. But the fifth game was key for Hewett when he broke to love, winning 12 of the next 14 points and taking the opener in style.
The second set saw Hewett come out relaxed and immediately in control.
De la Puente managed to hit back and the Brit held, moving to 5-3 and inches away from the crown that had eluded him so far.
With a bullet of a backhand down the line, Hewett secured a historic win and finally raised the Wimbledon trophy.
It marks his ninth Grand Slam in singles competition alongside 20 in the doubles - beaten only by Shingo Kunieda's 50 Grand Slams.
Later on Sunday, Hewett made it 21 doubles Grand Slams, when he and Reid triumphed in the men's doubles against Japanese pairing Takuya Miki and Tokito Oda.
The Britons won in straight sets as they took the first 6-4, before winning on the tie-break 7-6(2) in the second set after they had earlier trailed their opponents, completing a comeback to win their sixth Wimbledon doubles title.
Speaking after his win alongside Reid, Hewett declared it: "Definitely the best day of my life. Today is the stuff of dreams."
Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 13 and 14, on discovery+
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