Australian Open finalist, Alfie Hewett, has announced he will be playing in wheelchair singles and doubles finals in Melbourne next month. Hewett, who won his semifinal against Borna Coric with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 victory on Saturday (AEST), said that he had been dealing with an ongoing back injury for some time and decided to have surgery last year. “I was fighting the injury for a long time and I actually had surgery last year to try and fix it. I’ve been carrying the injury around for a while now, so I thought let’s go for it this year and see how it goes,” he said in a statement. The Australian Open final will be held at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
Alfie Hewett into wheelchair singles and doubles finals in Melbourne
Alfie Hewett will face Sweden’s Andreas Seppi in the wheelchair singles and doubles finals at the Australian Open today.
It’s been a remarkable journey for Hewett who, just a year ago, was told he would never walk again after being diagnosed with spinal cord cancer.
The 23-year-old from Queensland now goes into the final with a chance to win his first Grand Slam title.
Hewett and Seppi have already played twice this week – with the Aussie winning both matches in straight sets.
Speaking ahead of their final, Hewett said he is looking forward to bringing home another trophy for his loved ones.
Australian Open 2023: Men’s Singles
After being diagnosed with a a ruptured Achilles tendon in February, Australian Open semi-finalist Alfie Hewett has had to withdraw from the singles and doubles finals of the Australian Open. Hewett will now compete in wheelchair singles and doubles at the Melbourne International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.
Hewett won his first tour title at the 2017 Adelaide International titles before capturing consecutive titles on the European clay court circuit. He made his grand slam debut at the French Open but lost in the opening round to Andrey Rublev. Hewett’s run to Melbourne included wins over world number 17 John Millman and world number 26 Rajeev Ram.
“It’s been an amazing journey getting to this point and I’m really disappointed not to be able to complete it in my normal way, but I am really looking forward to competing in wheelchair singles and doubles at the Melbourne International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament,” said Hewett.
This year’s edition of the tournament features 23 wheelchair athletes from 11 countries competing for a chance at qualifying for next year’s Tokyo Paralympics
Alfie Hewett into wheelchair singles and doubles finals in Melbourne
Alfie Hewett has made history by becoming the first Australian male wheelchair tennis player to qualify for singles and doubles finals at the Australian Open.
The 26-year-old from Sydney was seeded 18th in singles, but lost in the first round against fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut. However, he reached the doubles final with compatriot Matthew Ebden, where they were beaten by fourth seeds Ivo Karlović and Mate Pavić 6-3 7-6 (11/9).
“It feels amazing to have made it to the Australian Open doubles final after such a long journey,” said Alfie Hewett. “To team up with my good friend Matt and compete against some of the best players in the world is something that I will never forget.”
