Star criticises French Open organisers following last-minute court change in men’s singles wheelchair final

The leading Brit, Alfie Hewett, has expressed his frustration regarding the lack of communication at Roland-Garros, after the venue for the men’s wheelchair singles final was shifted less than an hour before the first serve.

Hewett’s pursuit of his second major title of the year encountered a bumpy start as he and his opponent, Tokito Oda, were only provided 35 minutes to adjust to the abrupt change.

The final was initially planned for Court 14, but due to concerns about the weather, tournament officials decided to relocate the match.

Both Hewett and Oda’s teams were hurriedly moved to Suzanne Lenglen, where they were scheduled to play immediately following the conclusion of the women’s wheelchair final.

Hewett revealed he was “extremely disappointed” with the handling of the situation and wondered why players weren’t informed in advance that such a change could be made.

“I appreciate the rationale behind it, due to the unpredictable weather this week, but I believe they could have communicated it the night prior — like giving us a heads up and indicating, ‘if the quads match extends longer than the women’s final, then you guys will be on Lenglen. If not, you’ll stick with Court 14,'” said Hewett, who has secured 10 men’s wheelchair singles major titles, in a post-match interview.

“No such communication took place the night before or even that morning.”

Hewett was unable to secure his fourth French Open title after the last-minute change, with Oda, the world No.1, taking the match 6-4, 7-6 (6).

This victory marked Oda’s third consecutive win at the tournament, increasing his tally of major titles to five.

On the brighter side for Hewett, he added yet another major doubles title to his extensive list of achievements, teaming up with partner Gordon Reid to secure their sixth consecutive title in Paris.

The British duo took to the court just hours after Hewett’s singles final and achieved a 6-4, 1-6 (10-7) victory over Oda and Stephane Houdet from France.

“Winning these trophies never gets dull,” said Hewett.