Alfie Hewett: French Open Court Change Criticism
Alfie Hewett, a leading figure in wheelchair tennis, is vocalizing strong criticism regarding court scheduling and conditions at Roland Garros, directly impacting pre-match preparations. This latest challenge for the primary_keyword, impacting play, follows Hewett’s recent doubles victory and singles runner-up finish. He is highly critical of scheduling decisions that prioritize other events over the needs of wheelchair athletes, creating an environment that significantly alters play. Hewett highlights the importance of fair conditions for all players, a key focus for the sport.News Directory 3 can confirm changes are needed. What’s next for the secondary_keyword in Grand Slam events? Discover what’s next for the sport.
Wheelchair Tennis Stars Criticize Roland Garros Scheduling
Updated June 8, 2025
Top wheelchair tennis players are raising concerns about scheduling and court conditions at Roland Garros, citing the impact on their pre-match preparations. the discussions arose as the wheelchair draw progressed, highlighting last-minute changes and varied court conditions.
According to Dylan Hewett, who secured his sixth consecutive roland Garros doubles title alongside partner Gordon Reid, the different courts present a “entirely different surroundings.” Hewett also finished as runner-up in the singles competition, improving on his 2024 performance. He noted that the ball plays slower on some courts due to increased clay, while outdoor courts offer a livelier, bouncier game with shorter back runs. These variations, he said, substantially alter the tactical approach to each match.
Hewett emphasized the importance of pre-match preparations for elite athletes competing for top prizes in wheelchair tennis, not only at Grand Slams but also on the weekly tour. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase wheelchair tennis on a grand stage but stated that recent events were “unacceptable.”
Hewett said that the players’ concerns were not adequately addressed. He said they requested a court change, but priority was given to fans watching the women’s final on a screen, rather than providing wheelchair players with sufficient warm-up time before a Grand Slam singles final.
hewett clarified that his comments were not excuses for his performance, acknowledging that his opponent, Tokito Oda, played better. However, he stressed the importance of treating players like professionals, noting that top players like Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic would not be denied proper practice time.
Hewett added that while he puts everything on the line for these matches, the scheduling issues are not the reason he lost the singles final. He hopes that those in charge will consider the players’ needs in the future, as they do with other players.
Hewett said:
“It’s a completely different environment… The ball was slower, the balls pick up more clay because there is more clay on those courts… On the outdoor courts it’s slightly livelier, it’s slightly bouncier, there’s shorter back runs. It completely changes the tactical game of the match.”
“What happened today was unacceptable… There are standards I believe that have got to be set and you know as players we weren’t listened to,we weren’t heard.”
What’s next
tennis officials are expected to review scheduling protocols for wheelchair tennis events to ensure fair and adequate preparation time for all athletes.