The gold medal match between Alfie Hewett and Tokito Oda will go down as one of the most thrilling finals in Paralympic wheelchair tennis history. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the men’s singles match reached its climax in the final moments, with Oda emerging victorious after a tense third set.
With the score tied at 5-5 in the third set, the young Japanese star raised his arms, urging the crowd to cheer louder. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Oda then won two consecutive games to secure a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory over the world number one, Hewett. At just 18 years old, Oda became the youngest men’s singles champion in Paralympic history. Overwhelmed with emotion, he celebrated by disassembling the wheel of his chair and leaping onto the court.
“I just feel so cool—I think it’s okay for me to say that today,” Oda told a crowd of Japanese reporters. “It made me realize that I was born for this moment. I had so much fun during the match, with a smile on my face the whole time. This was the most fun I’ve ever had playing.”
Oda’s journey to this historic win is deeply personal. Diagnosed with bone cancer at age nine, he underwent treatment and surgery. While in the hospital, he watched videos of wheelchair tennis legend Shingo Kunieda competing in the men’s singles final at the 2012 London Paralympics, inspiring him to pursue the sport.
“Shingo is a legend in everyone’s heart. I want to be like him, but I also have my own journey. I’m just trying to become my own player,” said Oda, who is often referred to as Kunieda’s successor.
In the final, Oda faced a challenging opponent in Hewett, who had called for a medical timeout after the first set but then mounted a strong comeback. Hewett even held a match point at 5-3 in the third set, but Oda’s tenacity ultimately led him to victory.
For Hewett, the loss was bittersweet. “I’m proud of how I fought and the positive atmosphere throughout the match. But being just one point away from winning and missing that opportunity will stay with me,” he said.
On the podium, Oda was joined by silver medalist Hewett and bronze medalist Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina. Fernandez, who became the first South American to win a Paralympic medal in wheelchair tennis, secured his bronze earlier in the day by defeating Spain’s Martin de la Puente 6-1, 6-2. After a challenging year of health issues, Fernandez expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and all those who helped him along the way.
“Winning this medal for Argentina and everyone who supported me is a wonderful moment,” Fernandez said. “It means everything to me to have my family here and witness this achievement after such a tough journey. It’s priceless. “
