Hewett and Reid Advance to US Open Quarter-Finals as British Charge Continues

Alfie Hewett wasted no time in sending a message across the draw in New York. The world number two and four-time US Open champion ripped through Daniel Caverzaschi 6-0 6-2 on Wednesday, dropping just two games in a ruthless opening statement in the men’s wheelchair singles.

This was Hewett in full command. The serve clicked, the returns bit, and rallies rarely stretched long enough to offer the Spaniard any comfort. By the time Caverzaschi found some rhythm, the contest was already beyond him.

Next comes a different kind of test. American Casey Ratzlaff awaits in the quarter-finals, with home support and nothing to lose against one of the sport’s dominant figures. Hewett, though, has built a career on handling expectation. He looks in no mood to loosen his grip on New York.

Reid Wins a Battle, Not a Breeze

If Hewett’s progress felt like a procession, Gordon Reid’s route to the last eight was anything but.

Up against veteran Frenchman Stephane Houdet, the Scot had to dig deep in a fluctuating three-setter that stretched to two hours and 13 minutes. Reid took the first set 6-3, saw the second slip away 7-5, then reset and surged through the decider 6-2.

The match had the familiar feel of a Houdet-Reid encounter: tactical, tense, and threaded with momentum swings. When Houdet levelled the match, the pressure sat squarely on Reid’s shoulders. He answered with a decisive final set, tightening up his game and striking cleanly when the chances appeared.

His reward is as tough as it gets. Next up is top seed Tokito Oda, the defending champion and the man who currently owns the Grand Slam stage, having won the last six major singles titles. Reid knows exactly what that represents: a shot at the standard-bearer of the sport.

Doubles Dynasty Still Alive

The singles story is only half of it for the British pair.

Hewett and Reid, already serial champions together, are chasing a sixth US Open wheelchair doubles crown as a team. They opened their campaign with a win on Tuesday and have already driven their way into the semi-finals.

Waiting there is a heavyweight clash against Oda again, this time alongside Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez. It’s a semi-final loaded with pedigree and history, the kind of match that often decides far more than just who reaches the final. For Hewett and Reid, it’s another chance to extend a partnership that has defined an era.

Mixed Fortunes in the Quad Draw

While the men’s singles brought British success, the quad singles draw delivered a tougher day.

Andy Lapthorne ran into top seed Niels Vink and found the Dutchman in unforgiving form. Vink controlled their first-round meeting 6-2 6-1, underlining why he sits at the top of the quad game.

Greg Slade also bowed out in the opening round, beaten 6-4 6-2 by Argentina’s Gonzalo Lazarte. Slade battled to stay in touch, especially in the first set, but Lazarte’s consistency told at the key moments.

Lapthorne’s New Route Forward

Lapthorne’s singles campaign may be over, but his tournament is not. He remains firmly in the hunt in the quad doubles, where he has teamed up with South Africa’s Leon Els.

The pair have already pushed through to the semi-finals, keeping British interest alive across all wheelchair disciplines. With Hewett and Reid still driving deep in both singles and doubles, and Lapthorne targeting silverware in the quad doubles, Britain’s presence in New York is far from a footnote.

It’s starting to look like another week where the familiar names could shape the final weekend.