Hewett & Reid star as GB win fifth World Team Cup

Great Britain clinched their fifth World Team Cup title, as Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid triumphed over Japan 2-1 in Florida. Defending champions Japan, known as the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup equivalent for wheelchair tennis, could not prevent Britain from reclaiming the trophy. The decisive doubles match saw Hewett and Reid defeat Tokito Oda and Daisuke Arai with a scoreline of 6-1 and 6-2.

Gordon Reid, who previously won the championship alongside Hewett in 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2024, expressed his joy at the team's success. He stated, "It's the first time it's come down to the deciding doubles for us, so I'm really happy we got over the line." Hewett added, "It's always a privilege to play for your country and there's been a great atmosphere and team spirit again this week between all the lads."

Reid secured an early win on Saturday, defeating Japan's world number 21, Arai, with scores of 6-2 and 6-2. He had now beaten Arai in all five of their encounters. However, in the second singles match, extreme heat in Orlando led to a delay. The match resumed six hours later when temperatures had cooled, with Hewett falling short to Oda, losing 6-4 and 7-5. Despite the setback, Hewett remained determined, acknowledging the match was high-level and that a few points could have changed the outcome.

The doubles match, featuring Hewett and Oda, was ultimately won by Britain. Japan, who had won the previous week against South Korea and the Netherlands, along with 21-year-old Ben Bartram, were captained by Martyn Whait.