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Alfie Hewett came agonizingly close to completing a career ‘Golden Slam’ in singles but was unable to convert a gold-medal point in the Paralympic wheelchair tennis men’s singles final, losing to Japan’s Tokito Oda 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. The 26-year-old Briton’s dream of winning his first Paralympic singles gold ended after an epic contest at Roland Garros.
Hewett, who had the chance to serve out the match at 5-3 in the final set, narrowly missed a sliced drop shot on match point. Oda, 18, took full advantage, storming back to win the final four games and securing victory on his second match point. The emotional finish saw Oda lie on the clay in celebration, pulling the wheels off his chair in joy, while Hewett graciously helped him reattach them before the two shared a heartfelt embrace.
Despite his immense success, which includes 30 Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles, Hewett’s elusive Paralympic singles gold remains the only major title missing from his illustrious career.
The final, lasting two hours and 38 minutes, was a battle of wills. Hewett struggled early with a groin injury, calling for treatment after the first game and losing the first set as Oda dominated his serve. But the Briton mounted a comeback, winning a crucial 26-point rally in the second set and leveling the match.
In the decisive set, Hewett looked poised for victory but was unable to close it out, allowing Oda to claim his gold medal in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and sportsmanship.
