Alfie Hewett, a prominent figure in wheelchair tennis, has openly criticized the French Open organizers for the abrupt change of court for his singles final match against Tokito Oda. The match, initially scheduled for court 14, was moved to the Suzanne Lenglen court less than an hour before the start, leaving the players with only 35 minutes to prepare.

Hewett, who has won six consecutive Roland Garros doubles titles with Gordon Reid, emphasized the significant impact of court conditions on the game. "The ball was slower, the balls pick up more clay because there is more clay on those courts," he explained. This change not only affected the physical aspect of the game but also the tactical preparation, as players typically practice on the court they expect to play on.

Despite the challenges, Hewett acknowledged the superior performance of his opponent, Oda, in the crucial moments of the match. However, he stressed that the issue at hand was not about the outcome but about the respect and consideration due to professional athletes. "There are standards I believe that have got to be set," Hewett stated, advocating for better communication and player welfare in future tournaments.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion on the scheduling and treatment of wheelchair tennis players at major tournaments, underscoring the need for equality and respect in the sport.