Tokito Oda holds the championship trophy after winning the Wimbledon wheelchair tennis men's singles final against Britain's Alfie Hewett on July 13, 2025, in London. (©Toby Melville/REUTERS)
Trailing after the first set of the Wimbledon wheelchair tennis men's singles final, Tokito Oda showed poise behind his years.
The 19-year-old Oda rallied for a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Britain's Alfie Hewett on Sunday, July 13 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
Oda captured his first Wimbledon singles title with a straight-sets victory over Hewett in 2023.
For world No 1 Oda, winning at Wimbledon again is a big deal.
"Two years ago I won here, this tournament is different to others, it is so beautiful," he said, according to BBC Sport. "I really appreciate this moment."
Sunday's victory was also special for another reason, Oda told reporters.
"I am just tired right now but, honestly, this is the best match I've ever played," Oda was quoted as saying by the International Tennis Federation website. "Maybe we're pushing each other, but we're definitely making history for the sport."
The Aichi Prefecture native closed out the 2-hour, 16-minute match with a dominant stretch, winning the final five games in the third set.
Hewett was gracious in defeat, recognizing his rivalry with Oda is significant.
"To experience tennis matches like this is what we dream of. Win or lose that is the real winner today," Hewett said, according to BBC Sport.
Oda now owns a 12-9 head-to-head record against 2024 Wimbledon champ Hewett, according to the ITF website. This includes an impressive 5-1 record in Grand Slam finals.
In June 2025, Oda won his third consecutive French Open title. The opponent was world No 2 Hewett, who dropped the title match by a 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) score.
Tokito Oda Aims for Another Grand Slam Title
Oda now has six Grand Slam titles on his CV. And he's fired up about the upcoming US Open (September 2-6), the only Grand Slam tournament he's yet to win.
"I'm already looking forward to the US Open," Oda told the ITF website. "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."
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
