S. KUNIEDA/A. Hewett
6-7, 6-3, 6-3
Q. That was a very closely fought match. Can you talk a little bit about the match?
ALFIE HEWETT: Yeah, I mean, I think it was a good exhibition match for what this event is all about. I'm glad we could put on a show for everyone.
I mean, it's almost a joke to think what level Shingo brought to the court today. I was thinking, like, I have played a lot of matches in this last year, and that was probably the most matched-up person I've played against, and someone who hasn't played a competitive match since September of 2022.
It just shows the quality that he obviously has. And to be able to not even dip in that match at all was, yeah, really impressive. So, yeah, congrats to Shingo.
I have enjoyed my time here obviously, so looking forward to another match tomorrow.
Q. That was a fantastic match. Is there anything that you particularly, back here next year, I know you were hoping for points in the tournament? In terms of your vision...
ALFIE HEWETT: Yeah, definitely I think this is a good first step, obviously, having wheelchair tennis integrated in this event. Everything has to start somewhere.
Hopefully this is the start of something bigger. Would love to see an official ranking tournament here in future years, whether it's next year or the year after. I will be back, that's for sure, if that's the case.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports