‘I might like to be a figurehead’ says Alfie Hewett after Melbourne success

Alfie Hewett reacts after winning his first Australian Open singles title (Ng Han Guan/AP) (AP)

Alfie Hewett reacts after successful his first Australian Open singles title (Ng Han Guan/AP) (AP)

An emotional Alfie Hewett claimed his seventh grand slam title in wheelchair singles and first on the Australian Open earlier than revealing his ambition to be a figurehead for the game.

Hewett had misplaced within the ultimate at Melbourne Park for the final two years however made it third time fortunate, defeating 16-year-old Tokito Oda from Japan 6-3 6-1.

The success accomplished a golden two days for the Norfolk participant, who additionally received the doubles title with British team-mate Gordon Reid on Friday.

Hewett was 3-1 down within the first set however received 5 video games in a row to clinch it after which repeated the sequence within the second set, sealing the victory with an ace earlier than sobbing with delight.

“I can’t actually describe it in the mean time,” stated the 25-year-old, who has taken over as world primary following the retirement of his large rival Shingo Kunieda.

“Third time fortunate. Clearly the historical past of shedding the final couple of years has haunted me. With there being such a giant hole in between the tip of the 12 months and the brand new 12 months, you actually have time to dwell on it. It has caught with me for, I’d say, the final couple years. The motivation has been rising.

“To get on the market at this time and overcome a number of shaky nerves in the beginning, play a number of the tennis I did, I’m extraordinarily pleased with the efforts and naturally the end result ultimately.”

Wimbledon is now the one singles title Hewett, who has 23 slam trophies total, has not received.

“In fact I imagine I can win it after the final years’ performances,” he stated. “We’ll see after we get there what the mentality is like.”

Japan’s Kunieda retired on the eve of the event having amassed 28 slam singles titles – an all-time document – and 50 total, in addition to 4 Paralympic gold medals.

“It’s been on my thoughts with Shingo retiring, somebody’s acquired to step up,” stated Hewett. “I really feel like, with my skill, that I can get near his document. I’ve acquired age on my facet, I’ve acquired the boldness, I’ve acquired the sport model to again myself in each slam now.

“Clearly, you are taking it one by one. However I might love the dominance. I might like to be a figurehead for this sport.”

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