Gordon Reid

IT’S becoming almost as synonymous with Wimbledon as strawberries and Pimms – a triumph for Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett in the men’s wheelchair doubles.

For the third year in a row the GB pair teamed up to delight the home support at SW19 and claim another victory. A 6-1 6-4 win over Joachim Gerard and Stefan Olsson clinched the hat-trick after a thrilling, threeset semi-final triumph over Gustavo Fernandez and Shingo Kunieda. And, speaking to Agility Magazine following that fabulous third success, Reid was understandably happy.

“We were delighted with the doubles win,” he said. “There was a fair bit of pressure on us going into the event - people were expecting us to come back and defend the title. “We had a really tough semi-final match where we had to play some good tennis to come through, and then we played in a high-quality final on the Saturday and were ecstatic to take home the title again. “You’re aware that people are expecting you to do well and there is a bit more pressure, but especially in the doubles and at Wimbledon that’s something we seem thrive on. As much as there is that pressure, there is also a lot of backing and support from the home crowd which helps spur us on as well.”

Reid and Hewett, who combined for a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, were roared on by a vociferous Court Three crowd in the final. “As players, it’s more enjoyable for us if we get the opportunity to play in front of good crowds like we do at Wimbledon,” Reid added. “A lot of people came down to watch us in the final and it was great fun to play in. Ninety-five per cent of the spectators were backing us, so you could really feel that energy on the court and that definitely helped us to get over the line.”

He continued: “My first Wimbledon was ten years ago when I played in the doubles event. There were a few people watching because we were a British pair but a lot of people had never seen wheelchair tennis and were just stopping by and having a look because it was something different. “Even four or five years ago we weren’t getting the best crowds for our matches. But now it feels like, in the three matches I played at the championships this year, each one was packed out and people were coming specifically to watch us and enjoy the tennis – rather than just stumbling across it and watching because they were intrigued.”

There was less to cheer for Reid in the singles competition. The 2016 champion lost his quarter-final contest with Gerard in straight sets, but remained philosophical about his exit, saying: “Obviously, it was disappointing to lose

my singles on the Thursday. I came up against a guy who was in good form on the day, he was serving well and not making many errors. “I felt like that I was in the match and if I had managed to step up my tennis by just a fraction I would have been able to turn the match around. “Despite that, I’m happy with where I am with my tennis right now – I’m happy with my mindset and excited about the future, so it’s a good platform to build off. Just a few things need tweaks and hopefully that can make the difference.”

As a pair, Reid and Hewett are still yet to be beaten on the grass courts of Wimbledon, having also won the US Open and Masters in 2017. Reid insists the British duo are well set heading into their US defence – and explained why they dovetail together so well. He remarked: “There has to be something there at the start of a partnership to kick things off, but I also think our styles balance really nicely and our personalities balance well. “There’s also work that goes into that to improve that and make us stronger as a team. Over the last four years we’ve really strengthened our partnership and been very consistent, over the last couple of years especially. As a result, we’re standing out as a force to be reckoned with in the doubles world.”

Still just 26, Reid also has a Paralympic gold medal to his name following his singles victory in Rio. Explaining why the Games still sit top of his pecking order, he said: “Tennis is a bit different because we’ve got a lot more events than some other sports. We’re constantly travelling for tournaments, but I would say that the majority of people around wheelchair tennis still see the Paralympics as the pinnacle of the sport. “However, every year the Grand Slams are gaining more traction in the players’ minds. It might just be a matter of time before they surpass the Paralympics and it becomes the same as able-bodied tennis where they are the big events on the calendar.

“The Paralympics are completely different though, in terms of the scale of the Games and the number of sports being involved. That’s something we don’t get to be part of very often, so it’s great fun to be around. It’s always special as well to be a part of Team GB and something we’re definitely looking forward to in two years’ time.”•