Moments of the Games: Hewett and Oda’s epic singles finalpublished at 15:39 British Summer Time
Alan Jewell
BBC Sport in Paris
Image source, PA MediaAlfie Hewett featured in two superb moments in Paris, finally winning his first Paralympic gold in the men’s doubles alongside Gordon Reid the day before his singles final against Japan’s Tokito Oda.
As good as the doubles gold was, the thrilling singles final was something else – even if it ended in a heartbreaking 6-2 4-6 7-5 defeat for the Briton.
The first set did not offer a lot as he struggled with a groin injury, but the match sparked into life in an epic 26-point fourth game in the second set, as Hewett played a remarkable around-the-net-post winner to save a fifth break point, drawing applause from Oda and a roar from the crowd at Roland Garros.
Hewett went on to win the set and initially dominated a compelling decider. He had a gold-medal point when leading 5-3, but a sliced drop shot just floated wide. Oda then rattled through the final four games to snatch the gold away.
At the end, Oda took the wheels off his chair so he could lean back on the court in celebration, while the spectators on Court Philippe Chatrier – which was close to capacity – gave both players a loud and long ovation.
Hewett could appreciate the moment despite the defeat, describing it as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
He told Oda as they embraced on court: “Take this in and enjoy this because what we’ve done today out there is nothing short of absolutely remarkable and may go down in wheelchair tennis Paralympic history.”