Gordon Reid moved a step closer to a second successive Grand Slam title today when he partnered Frenchman Michael Jeremiasz to a sensational men’s doubles semi-final victory at The Championships, Wimbledon.
World No.3 Reid played one of the toughest matches of his career before overcoming 17-year-old compatriot Alfie Hewett and Joachim Gerard of Belgium 7-6(9), 3-6, 7-6(4).
Hewett made a fine Grand Slam debut, holding both his opening service games as he and Gerard took a 5-2 first set lead. However, second seeds Reid and Jeremiasz fought back to force the first set tie-break and saved three set points en route to seizing the advantage.
Hewett and Gerard took another commanding second set lead, going 3-0 ahead, and although Reid and Jeremiasz levelled the set at 3-3, Hewett and Gerard dug deep to ensure it was going to a decider.
There were signs of an upset being on the cards in the final set as world No. 1 junior Hewett and Gerard took a 5-2 lead, but Reid and Jeremiasz saved a match point to make it 5-5 and then forced a second tie-break.
But experience showed as the last three points of the tie-break went to Reid and Jeremiasz with the Scotsman sealing a thrilling victory thanks to a backhand winner after two hours and 50 minutes of pulsating wheelchair tennis.
London 2012 Paralympian Reid said: “I’m so pleased to get through that match and make the final because it was so tough. Alfie and Joachim played really well and the quality of tennis was fantastic. We had a few dodgy moments but we pulled it out when it really mattered and on the big points we played well and didn’t give them any cheap points. When you’re down a break and facing match point you just have to try not to think about it and try to be aggressive as that’s when we play our best tennis.
“The crowd we had today was incredible, it’s great to see people enjoying the sport and everyone who comes to watch it always loves it, people just sometimes don’t know it’s happening so it’s great that we put on a good show and hopefully we can again tomorrow in the final.”
Reid won his first Grand Slam title last month at Roland Garros when partnering Japan’s Shingo Kunieda to victory in the men’s doubles. Reid and Jeremiasz will now play Roland Garros runners-up Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina with partner Nicolas Peifer, also from France, in Sunday’s final.
Hewett will also have the chance to play on the grass courts again tomorrow in the third place play-off against two-time Wmibledon champions Stephane Houdet and Shnigo Kunieda.
Ater his first match at a Grand Slam, Hewett reflected: “It was probably one of the best matches I’ve ever played, with such a huge crowd watching it really showed what wheelchair tennis is about. I’m gutted that we lost 7-6 in the third but it’s not a bad performance for my first Wimbledon.
“I came into the tournament just to enjoy it and it’s been an incredible experience. Next year hopefully I’ll be back and will be doing everything I can to make the final.”
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