Wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett, a 26-year-old Grand Slam legend, has an impressive record of 30 majors under his belt, including nine in singles and 21 in doubles with partner Gordon Reid. Recently, he clinched the gold medal in doubles at the Paralympic Games in Paris and secured the silver medal in singles this year and in 2016. Looking ahead, Hewett’s next big goal is to win the gold medal in singles at the upcoming events.
Hewett draws inspiration from the recent gold-winning Paris Olympics campaign of Novak Djokovic. He expressed admiration for Djokovic’s perseverance, attitude towards tennis, and overall achievements. Additionally, Hewett mentioned that he also finds motivation from Djokovic’s rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have also left a significant mark on the sport.
While reflecting on his career and future aspirations, Hewett acknowledges the challenge posed by 18-year-old Tokito Oda, who defeated him in the final at the Paralympic Games, preventing him from completing a Career Golden Slam. Despite setbacks, Hewett remains focused on improving his game and mindset to achieve greater success in the future.
One of the key influences on Hewett’s mindset is the success of Jannik Sinner in men’s tennis this season. Sinner’s ability to perform exceptionally well during crucial moments in matches has caught Hewett’s attention. Observing Sinner’s achievements, including winning eight titles, defending the Davis Cup, and claiming victory at the ATP Finals, Hewett sees an opportunity to enhance his own performance on critical points.
Throughout the season, Hewett has demonstrated his skills by securing three doubles Majors and earning his first singles title at Wimbledon. While celebrating these victories, Hewett remains determined to continue honing his abilities and mental strength, taking inspiration from the best in the sport.
As Hewett looks ahead to upcoming competitions and the pursuit of Olympic gold, his journey is fueled by a deep-seated passion for tennis and a relentless drive to excel on the court. With role models like Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, and Sinner guiding his path, Hewett remains focused on achieving his ultimate goal of standing atop the podium with a gold medal in hand.