Oda reclaims Wimbledon crown before targeting Golden Slam at US Open
World No. 1 Tokito Oda reclaimed the men’s wheelchair singles title at Wimbledon before immediately turning his attentions to the US Open and a potential career Golden Slam.
Oda recovered from a set down to overpower defending champion Alfie Hewett of Great Britain 3-6 7-5 6-2 and seal the sixth Grand Slam singles title of his increasingly impressive career.
The showdown evoked memories of the gold-medal match at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event when Oda and Hewett traded blows and showcased wheelchair tennis at its finest.
For anyone unsure, the career Golden Slam constitutes titles at all four Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open – together with a gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
Oda has won Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while his Paralympic gold medal means he just needs a US Open win to complete the set.
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Should he achieve that at Flushing Meadows in September, the 19-year-old will join an exclusive club that features Dylan Alcott, Diede de Groot and Shingo Kunieda as the fourth player to complete the career Golden Slam in wheelchair tennis singles.
“I’m already looking forward to the US Open,” Oda, whose only previous Wimbledon title came in 2023, told itftennis.com. “Winning the US Open was my goal this year. When the season started, I was already looking forward to the US Open.
“Before the US Open, we have three other Grand Slams, but now we are giving everything for the US Open. I am just enjoying every moment and playing my tennis but, for sure, the US Open is a priority now.”
While he narrowly missed out on the career Golden Slam, Hewett knows all about the career Grand Slam having completed it with his long-awaited Wimbledon victory in 2024. Surrendering his SW19 crown is likely to be a tough loss to take.
But Hewett more than played his part and given the pulsating wheelchair tennis on show in the gold-medal match at the Paralympic Games, it was surprising to hear that Oda rates this match as the finest of his career.
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“I am just tired right now but, honestly, this is the best match I've ever played,” said Oda. “Maybe we’re pushing each other, but we’re definitely making history for the sport.
“The Paralympic Games was special, and Paris is a special place for me, while here is the biggest stage for Alfie. The moment is different. I love those big moments and today was the best match for us. He played his best and I played my best.”
Oda’s celebrations were as passionate and energetic as ever, although he did forget to do his trademark guitar celebration. The plan now is to indulge in national pride and consume some Japanese cuisine.
“I don’t really know how I will celebrate,” added Oda. “Maybe some sushi. When I go back to Japan, maybe I will have some yakiniku – I want to eat some Japanese food. Maybe I will go shopping tomorrow.”
Full steam ahead, US Open.