‘Different feel’ as Hewett prepares for dual title defence

Wimbledon 2025

All England Club Dates: June 30 through July 13

Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid were watching the action from the Royal Box on Saturday, but they now have the opportunity to defend their titles.

Hewett, 27, won the wheelchair men’s singles title for the first time last year, while Reid and Reid, 27, captured the men’s wheelchair doubles title for the sixth time.

Hewett became the first man to win Wimbledon singles and doubles at the same time since Reid in 2016 with his victory over Spain’s Martin de la Puente in the singles final.

The tournament feels “different” this year because he finally won the singles title that had been elusive for him for so long and returns to the All England Club.

He told BBC Sport, “It’s much more enjoyable.

“To finally receive that trophy last year was such a huge weight off my shoulders,” I say in reflection of just being here and all the years I’ve spent here.

It always seemed to have a different vibe when I came back as the defending champion.

Hewett has won 30 Grand Slam titles, including 22 in doubles and 10 in singles. With 50, only Japanese legend Shingo Kunieda has won more majors than any other male athlete.

Reid claims he is now fully recovered after missing out on playing at Eastbourne just before Wimbledon due to illness.

He said, “It was out of my system after a few days.” I’m back in top shape and prepared to go.

He and Hewett won the doubles title on Court One last year, but the 33-year-old hopes to one day compete in a final on Center Court.

“I’m not the only one who would enjoy playing a game on Center Court,” he continued.