Alfie Hewett (pictured) and Tokito Oda are ranked second and first respectively in the world in men's wheelchair singles Alfie Hewett says he is "extremely disappointed" with French Open organisers after his wheelchair singles final was moved to a different court less than an hour before the start "without really consulting the players". The Norfolk player's match against Tokito Oda on Saturday, which he lost 6-4 7-6 (8-6), was switched from Court 14 to being straight after the women's wheelchair final on Suzanne Lenglen. They were only given about 35 minutes to prepare after being informed of the change at just past midday. "I understand the reasoning behind it because of the changeable weather this week but I think they could have communicated that the night before - like given us a heads-up and said 'if this quads match goes on longer than the women's final then you boys will be on Lenglen, if it doesn't happen then you will stay on Court 14'," he said. "None of that communication was had the night before, or even in the morning." The BBC have approached Roland Garros and the International Tennis Federation for comment. As the wheelchair draw progressed there was a lot of discussion around the scheduling and last-minute changes, with different courts offering varied conditions for the players. "It's a completely different environment," said Hewett, who won his sixth consecutive Roland Garros doubles title with partner and fellow Brit Gordon Reid, and who - by also finishing with runners-up honours in the singles - improved on his 2024 performance at Roland Garros. "Gordy [Gordon Reid] was saying it when we were playing doubles. 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 and usually you know that you're going to be playing on a show court, so you practice on that court beforehand." As elite-level athletes who are competing for the top prizes in tennis, a lot of thought goes into pre-match preparations for the wheelchair players - not just at the Grand Slams but every week they compete on tour. "I'm not one to come out here and criticise tournaments often because I know we are as players, and I am, incredibly grateful to be at events like this, to be celebrating wheelchair tennis and showcasing it on a big stage but what happened today was unacceptable," said Hewett. "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. "We tried to ask for the court to be pushed back, but unfortunately the priority was for fans to watch the women's final on a screen rather than giving the wheelchair players more time to warm-up and prepare for a Grand Slam singles final. "This isn't me making excuses for my performance, Tokito was in exactly the same boat as me. I'm very happy with the way I performed actually. "This is more about the players and our welfare, and actually treating us like professionals, because I can guarantee there's no way Jannik Sinner or [Novak] Djokovic would get told 'sorry you can't have a proper practice, you've got to go on court in 30 minutes'." He added: "You put everything on the line for these matches. It's not the reason why I lost the singles final - Tokito was the better player in the bigger moments - but these are the things that people higher up have got to take into consideration - and which I know they are taking into consideration with the other players. "They didn't take that into consideration with us and I feel really disappointed in that."
Hewett criticises late court changes at French Open
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Alfie Hewett Voices Disappointment Over Court Change at French Open"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Alfie Hewett, the world number two in men's wheelchair singles, expressed significant disappointment with the French Open organizers after his singles final against Tokito Oda was abruptly moved to a different court just an hour before the match was set to begin. The shift from Court 14 to Suzanne Lenglen, where the women's wheelchair final was scheduled, left the players with a mere 35 minutes to adjust and prepare. Hewett criticized the lack of communication from the organizers, suggesting they could have informed the players the night before about the potential for changes due to weather conditions. He felt it was essential for players to receive timely updates to adequately prepare for such crucial matches, emphasizing that a clearer communication strategy should be in place to avoid confusion and ensure fair treatment for all competitors.
During the tournament, Hewett noted that the differing court conditions significantly impacted the performance and preparation of the athletes. He explained that the environment on the show courts differed markedly from the outer courts, affecting the ball's behavior and the overall game strategy. Despite his frustration with the organizational oversight, Hewett acknowledged his satisfaction with his performance in the final, where he ultimately lost 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) to Oda. He stressed that the issue transcended his individual match, highlighting the need for the tournament to treat wheelchair players with the same respect and consideration afforded to their able-bodied counterparts. Hewett's remarks underscored a broader call for improved standards and recognition of wheelchair tennis within the professional sports arena, advocating for a more inclusive approach to scheduling and player welfare at major events.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights concerns raised by Alfie Hewett regarding last-minute changes made by the French Open organizers, which he claims affected his performance and preparation. The timing of this change, just prior to a crucial match, raises questions about communication and player consideration in professional sports, especially within the context of wheelchair tennis, which is often overlooked.
Timing and Communication Issues
Hewett's disappointment stems from the lack of timely communication about the court switch. He mentions that players were not consulted adequately and only received notice shortly before the match was to start. This is significant as it reflects on the organizational efficiency and respect for players' needs, particularly in high-stakes situations. The failure to provide prior notice could suggest a systemic issue within the tournament's management regarding how they handle scheduling and communicate with athletes.
Impact on Performance
The change in court not only affected Hewett psychologically but also physically, as he described how different courts present varying conditions that can alter gameplay. This impacts the athletes’ ability to prepare adequately, which is crucial in a competitive environment. Hewett's comments about the ball behavior and court conditions underline the importance of consistency in professional sports, especially for athletes who rely on familiarity with their playing environment.
Public Perception and Community Response
This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of the French Open's organization, particularly regarding their treatment of wheelchair athletes. It could foster a sense of solidarity among players and advocates for improved conditions and communication in future events. The public might empathize with Hewett's situation, potentially rallying support for more inclusive practices within major tournaments.
Potential Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on Hewett's criticisms, it could also be seen as a vehicle for broader conversations about the treatment of disabled athletes in sports. The timing of such reports may aim to draw attention to systemic issues within professional sports organizations, rather than solely focusing on the French Open. However, it’s unclear if there are any ulterior motives behind this specific incident being reported, as it appears to be a genuine concern raised by an athlete.
Relevance to Broader Conversations
This situation is emblematic of the ongoing challenges faced by disabled athletes, reflecting larger societal issues regarding inclusivity and respect in sports. The response to this article could spur discussions about policy changes within sports organizations, highlighting the need for better practices in scheduling and player engagement.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article appears credible, providing direct quotes from Hewett and referencing the context of the match. The inclusion of reactions from the BBC and other organizations indicates a level of journalistic integrity. However, the focus on a single incident may oversimplify the complexities involved in tournament management and athlete experiences.