11 July 2019
Hewett and Reid target fourth straight Wimbledon crown
Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett have history on their side when it comes to Wimbledon wheelchair doubles trophies, but they had to dig deep to maintain their proud winning run at the All England Club.
The duo have won the last three titles, and will face some familiar rackets in this year’s final after they won a blockbuster last four clash 6-3 2-6 7-6 (7-4) against French pair Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer, in no less than 2hrs 23m at the All England Club.
And with just Stefan Olsson and Joachim Gerard in their way of a fourth consecutive trophy, Hewett once again believes that the past is on their side.
“It will be a tough match,” he said.
“They’re two really good double players and their games really suit the grass. We played them here last year and dominated that match.
“We’ll have to look back and also look at what we’re doing now, and just try to come up with a plan that will give us the same result.
“I was excited to play, to come out and get back on the court after a disappointing day (in the singles).
“It’s always another chance to prove to everyone and prove to myself. We started really well - 6-2 first set - came out strong, nothing too crazy, just doing the basics really well and being a really strong team, but I’m not really sure what happened in the second set!”
In what was a bonafide epic out in the south-west London sun, the three-time Wimbledon champions showed that they were not willing to give up their crown without a fight.
All was well after a routine first set, but the French duo fought back to level, and eventually take things all the way to a third-set tie-break.
Reid and Hewett dug deep, and found the crucial reserve that has served them so well in the past, eventually converting their fourth match point for glory.
And, forced on by a raucous partisan crowd throughout, Reid admits that it was not just their pedigree that carried them over the line.
“The support that we get here makes a big difference. There was a great atmosphere as always and that definitely pushed us,” he said. “It helps us a lot, brings a lot of energy to the court and we all enjoy, as tennis players, playing in front of crowds and showcasing our sport to as many people as possible.
“We love it, especially here and hopefully we can have the same again in the final.”
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