In a historic moment for wheelchair tennis, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid secured the Paralympic gold medal and completed the career ‘Golden Slam’ on Friday at the Paris Paralympics. The British duo achieved this remarkable feat by winning the men’s wheelchair doubles title, after they had previously clinched all four Grand Slam titles.
On the iconic red clay of Philippe-Chatrier court at Roland Garros, Hewett and Reid delivered a commanding performance. Defeating the Japanese team of Takuya Miki and Tokito Oda with a score of 6-2, 6-1. This victory marked a significant milestone, as the pair had previously fallen short in Paralympic finals in Rio and Tokyo.
Hewett and Reid, who have amassed a total of 21 Grand Slam titles between them, thrilled to finally capture the elusive Paralympic gold. The win completes their ‘Golden Slam’ by adding the Paralympic title to their collection of Grand Slam victories. The emotional duo embraced on the court, with Hewett describing the moment as “the stuff of dreams,” and Reid calling it “up there with our best wins.”
For Hewett, the triumph is especially poignant. He had faced a period of uncertainty regarding his eligibility to compete due to Perthes disease, which limits hip movement. Initially deemed ineligible, Hewett later received clearance to continue playing. Which led to an emotional celebration with a glass of champagne after his Tokyo defeat.
Scotsman Reid, who won Paralympic singles gold in 2016, expressed that the joy of this victory was heightened by the previous heartbreak of not winning gold. “It feels amazing,” said the 32-year-old. “The emotions and adrenaline are still high from the match. We’ve come so close before, and it makes this win even more special.”
Reid, who contracted transverse myelitis at age 12, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Rreflected on how the past defeats made the gold medal win even more rewarding. “Sometimes you have to feel that pain to really enjoy the highs when they come,” he said. “It’s important to savor this moment.”
Hewett, who is also competing in the singles event, acknowledged that the losses in Rio and Tokyo had cast a shadow of doubt over their chances in Paris. “There’s always that little doubt in the back of your mind,” he admitted. “But we squashed that this week.”
As for their celebration, Hewett and Reid were focused on enjoying the moment. “Tonight’s all about us,” Hewett said, emphasizing the significance of their achievement. The pair’s dedication and resilience have culminated in a historic victory, marking a memorable chapter in world of wheelchair tennis.
Leave a Reply