Norfolk's Alfie Hewett loses Australian Open Final

The Norfolk wheelchair tennis ace was beaten by Japan's Tokito Oda in straight-sets

Tokito Oda (left) holds his trophy after defeating Alfie Hewett
Author: Eleanor Crooks, PAPublished 27th Jan 2024

Alfie Hewett fell just short of a second straight Australian Open title.

The British wheelchair tennis star was bidding for a ninth grand slam singles crown having won in Melbourne for the first time last year but Japanese teenager Tokito Oda turned the tables with a 6-2 6-4 victory.

Hewett beat the 17-year-old at the same stage 12 months ago but Oda then got the better of him at the French Open and Wimbledon and had the edge on Kia Arena.

Hewett threatened a comeback, recovering from 5-2 to 5-4 in the second set, but he could not get back on level terms.

The 26-year-old said: "Congratulations Tokito and to your team. Some high-quality tennis there and you produced some of the best stuff I've seen you play.

"Fully deserved today and credit to everything you've done. I wasn't at my best today. I look forward to being back next year and hopefully I can beat you."

Hewett does go home with some silverware having collected his 19th slam doubles title with Gordon Reid on Friday.

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