top of page

‘A FEDERER-NADAL SITUATION’: REDEMPTION FOR ALFIE HEWETT OVER LONGTIME RIVAL



Britain’s Alfie Hewett clinched his second Australian Open wheelchair singles title, comparing his rivalry with Tokito Oda to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.


Hewett wrapped up a 6-4 6-4 victory, sealing his 10th Grand Slam singles title.


The 27-year-old was world No.1 before Oda burst onto the scene, with the Japanese star defeating Hewett in three Slam finals and the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.


Click here to watch live tennis on Stan Sport.


Struggling to hold back tears as he pipped Oda for the crown, Hewett mentioned how his rival had shaped him to be hungrier and push himself.


"It does knock you deep down, your belief and confidence in the big moments. For me to do it today and prove to myself more than anyone that I can rise to the occasion against a player like him, was very overwhelming," he said.


"Today I was just very hungry and motivated to try and showcase what I'm all about from point one.



"Tokito has come on tour and made us all just be better because we have to be, otherwise he will dominate,” he said.


"It's painful when you lose and you are wondering that it's going to be a long road ahead. He's so young, as well.


"You have to be challenged. You have to be pushed to your limits. We have a good relationship and I'm glad that he's pushing me and I'm sure I'll be pushing him and he will say the exact same. It's a bit of a Federer-Nadal situation - wheelchair version."


It concludes a perfect tournament for Hewett at Melbourne Park, who also won a sixth consecutive Australian Open doubles title, partnering Gordon Reid.


Five years since her last major title in Australia, Japan's Yui Kamiji won the women's wheelchair singles, defeating No.2 seed Aniek Van Koot 6-2 6-2.


Kamiji, 30, arrived as the top-seed, adding a ninth Grand Slam singles trophy to her collection.


Chinese duo Xiaohui Li and Ziying Wang took home the women's wheelchair doubles title, dropping five games en route to victory.


In the Quad wheelchair events, No.1 seed Sam Schroder claimed bragging rights over his Dutch compatriot and No.2 seed, Niels Vink, while Schroder also tasted doubles success with Britain's Andy Lapthorne.


Game4padel is leading the way in the growth of Padel tennis in Australia. Check them out at game4padel.com.au for club locations, corporate event opportunities and special offers.



Comments


bottom of page