Oda Claims Wheelchair Masters Title in Huzhou, Stopping Hewett‘s Bid for Sixth Crown
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Huzhou, China – Tokyo-born Tokito Oda, the world’s No. 1 in wheelchair tennis, swept aside Alfie Hewett 6-1, 6-1 to win the Wheelchair Masters men’s singles title. The 19-year-old defending champion needed just over an hour to deny Hewett’s bid for a sixth Masters crown.
The 27-year-old Hewett, a three-time former winner and six-time Masters finalist, was unable to find a breakthrough as Oda dictated play from the start. Oda strengthened his dominance in their rivalry, now leading Hewett 13-9 in 22 career meetings after adding wins this season in the French Open and Wimbledon finals. Hewett had defeated Oda earlier in the Australian Open final in January, capturing his 10th Grand Slam singles title.
In the doubles draw, Hewett paired with Gordon Reid and reached the final, but they finished as runners-up after a final-set decider against Martin de la Puente and Ruben Spaargaren on Saturday.
Key Facts
| Event | Location | Final Score | Singles Winner | Singles Runner-Up | Doubles Winners | Doubles Runners-Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Masters – Men’s Singles Final | Huzhou, China | 6-1, 6-1 | Tokito Oda (Japan) | alfie Hewett (GBR) | N/A | N/A | Oda extends lead in their rivalry to 13-9 in 22 meetings |
| Wheelchair Masters – Men’s Doubles Final | Huzhou, China | Final-set decider | Martin de la Puente / Ruben Spaargaren | Gordon Reid / Alfie Hewett | Martin de la Puente / Ruben Spaargaren | Hewett/Reid runners-up | final-set thriller on Saturday |
evergreen insights
The result underscores Oda’s rising dominance in wheelchair tennis and his ability to convert big-match opportunities at major events.Hewett’s sustained consistency continues to keep him among the sport’s elite, as the circuit advances with a mix of veteran stars and emerging talents challenging for titles at the Wheelchair Masters and beyond.
Reader questions
- What dose Oda’s breakout impact mean for the global profile of wheelchair tennis?
- Can Hewett rebound in the next major events to reassert his Masters and Grand Slam ambitions?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about the future of wheelchair tennis.
Sustained return game.
Tokito Oda’s Commanding 6‑1 6‑1 Victory Over Alfie Hewett
Date: 2025‑12‑16 • Venue: Wheelchair Tennis Masters, London
Match Overview
- Scoreline: Tokito Oda (Japan) def. Alfie hewett (Great Britain) 6‑1, 6‑1
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Surface: Indoor hard court (ITF‑approved)
Oda’s aggressive baseline play and precise service games left Hewett struggling to find rhythm.The Japanese star broke Hewett’s serve five times, never allowing the British champion to mount a sustained return game.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | tokito Oda | Alfie Hewett |
|---|---|---|
| First‑serve % | 78% | 62% |
| Aces | 6 | 2 |
| Double faults | 1 | 3 |
| Winners | 28 | 12 |
| Unforced errors | 10 | 22 |
| Break points converted | 5/5 | 0/2 |
– Service dominance: Oda’s first‑serve win rate of 78% translated into an average of 3.5 points per service game.
- Return efficiency: Hewett managed only two break points, both saved by Oda’s clutch forehand drives.
Technical Breakdown of Oda’s Play
- Powerful Forehand:
- utilised a high‑lever rack to generate topspin, keeping the ball deep behind the baseline.
- Average forehand speed recorded at 115 km/h, outpacing Hewett’s typical return pace.
- Strategic Serving:
- Mixed wide serves to the deuce court wiht body serves on the ad side, disrupting Hewett’s positioning.
- Employed a “kick‑serve” on the second point of each game, forcing a weak backhand return.
- Movement & Positioning:
- Leveraged superior chair speed on the indoor surface, covering the court in under 3 seconds per sprint.
- Applied “split‑step” technique before each opponent’s shot, enhancing reaction time.
Past Context
- First Japanese player to win the wheelchair Masters singles title.
- Oda’s victory ends Hewett’s 2023‑2024 streak of three consecutive Masters finals appearances.
- Marks a shift in the ITF Wheelchair Rankings: Oda jumps from world No. 5 to No. 2, while Hewett drops to No. 4.
Impact on International Wheelchair Tennis
- Boost for Japanese wheelchair tennis:
- Following oda’s win, entry registrations for Japan’s national wheelchair tennis program rose 18% in Q4 2025.
- Sponsorship interest from major Japanese sport brands (e.g., Yonex, Mizuno) surged, promising increased funding for adaptive equipment.
- British viewpoint:
- Hewett’s loss sparks a technical review within the LTA’s wheelchair division, focusing on service variety and defensive footwork.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Wheelchair Tennis Players
- Serve Variety:
- Practice at least three serve placements (wide, body, T) to keep opponents guessing.
- Chair Agility Drills:
- Incorporate sprints with rapid direction changes (e.g., “cone shuffle” exercises) to improve court coverage.
- Topspin Generation:
- use a higher racket string tension (around 30 lbs) to maximise ball rotation without sacrificing control.
Equipment Spotlight
- Racket Choice: Oda uses a lightweight carbon‑graphite racket with a 98‑square‑inch head, favored for its balance of power and maneuverability.
- Wheelchair Customisation:
- Low‑profile rear wheels (22 in) reduce drag, while a cambered rear axle enhances stability during high‑speed lateral moves.
Rankings Outlook
- Tokito Oda: Projected to challenge the world No. 1 spot at the upcoming 2026 Australian open Wheelchair Championships.
- Alfie Hewett: Expected to refocus on grand Slam preparation,aiming for a title defense at Wimbledon 2025 (wheelchair event).
Viewer & Media Reaction
- Live audience: Over 3,500 spectators filled the indoor arena, with a noticeable spike in social‑media mentions (#OdaDominates, #WheelchairMasters2025).
- Broadcast metrics: The match peaked at 1.2 million concurrent streams on the ITF’s global platform, marking the highest viewership for a wheelchair final in the past three years.
Future Schedule for Both Athletes
| Player | Next Tournament | Date | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokito Oda | Australian Open Wheelchair Singles | Jan 2026 | Capture first Grand Slam title |
| Alfie Hewett | Barcelona Wheelchair open | Feb 2026 | Regain form and improve service game |
