Alfie Hewett made history once again by defeating defending champion Tokito Oda in a thrilling final at the 2025 Australian Open, securing his 10th Grand Slam wheelchair singles title.
The match, held from January 12 to January 26 at the iconic Melbourne Park, showcased intense competition and high-level skill from both players. Hewett, who entered the tournament as the second seed, overcame an 0-3 record in major finals against Oda, who had previously triumphed over him in last summer's Paralympic final and duplicated this success in three previous encounters.

In a display of resilience and determination, Hewett rallied to win the final with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This victory not only marked his first Australian Open title but also his second singles title in Melbourne, following his doubles success with partner Gordon Reid earlier in the tournament.

After the match, an emotional Hewett expressed his gratitude towards Oda: “Tokito, we've had so many battles and finals over the last couple of years, so thank you for letting me have this one.” The two athletes have formed a rivalry considered to be the wheelchair tennis equivalent of the legendary matchups between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Hewett remarked, “It’s a bit of a Federer-Nadal situation - wheelchair version.”

Hewett’s win is particularly poignant considering his previous struggles against Oda in crucial matches. Reflecting on the emotional toll, Hewett noted, “I didn't expect me to start blubbering on the court, to be honest, but I'm probably harbouring a few feelings from the last couple of matches that we've played.”
This victory signifies a continuation of Hewett’s remarkable career, which saw him capture his first Wimbledon singles title last year, culminating in a career Grand Slam.

In conclusion, Hewett's win at the Australian Open not only enhances his legacy within the sport but also demonstrates the increasing competitiveness in wheelchair tennis, where younger talents like Oda are pushing established players to their limits. Expect more exciting encounters between these two in future tournaments, as they continue to elevate the game.