Britain’s record-breaking men’s wheelchair tennis doubles partnership of Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid claimed their 41st career doubles title at The Queen’s Club yesterday.
The pair came back from a set and 3-1 down against second seeds Joachim Gerard of Belgium and Stephane Houdet of France to lift the title at the LTA’s cinch Championships.
Alfie and Gordon were both recently recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours with an OBE, along with fellow wheelchair player Lucy Shuker who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) - the first time that three of Britain’s wheelchair tennis players have been honoured by the reigning monarch at the same time.
In 2021 Alfie and Gordon became the first men’s wheelchair doubles partnership to complete a calendar Grand Slam. And this year’s success at the French Open saw them become the most successful men’s doubles Grand Slam partnership in the Open Era, winning 17 titles.
“To receive the OBE honour is a special feeling, not only for me but also my family and the people that have been close to me on this journey,” said Alfie.
“It’s amazing to see wheelchair tennis and disability sport get this level of recognition. It’s so vital in encouraging people with disabilities to be active and to just be creating a more inclusive society.
“It’s a big passion of mine to keep growing the sport, and with the platform I have to send the message that anything is possible with a leap of faith, relentless determination and the right mentality.”
British women’s No.1 Lucy Shuker's British Empire Medal for services to sport comes after a 2022 season that was her 20th in international competition after she made her debut at the British Open in 2003. Shuker reached the British Open women’s singles final for the first time in 2022.
To find out more about disability tennis go to www.lta.org.uk
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