Wheelchair tennis: Top four through to the semi-finals
The four highest-ranked players in the 2026 edition all booked their places in the singles semi-finals in style.
That is what you call living up to expectations. Alfie Hewett, Martin De La Puente, Gustavo Fernandez and Gordon Reid all justified their status by coming through their quarter-finals in straight sets on Friday. The result is a final four line-up that promises both drama and spectacular tennis.
Quick wins and a tested champion
First on court at midday on Friday, Gordon Reid and Stéphane Houdet treated the spectators on court 2 to a high-quality battle, much to the delight of the crowd who had turned out in force to support both players.
The Brit made a perfect start, racing into a 4-0 lead before his opponent found his rhythm and raised his level considerably. But, just as he had done in 2025, Reid managed to absorb the Frenchman's power while producing his best tennis at the key moments to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
"I think I started the match really well. I was precise and clinical, whereas he didn't quite settle into the match early on," Reid explained afterwards."I expected him to raise his level because Stéphane is a very intelligent player. But I'm pleased with how I handled the situation. I felt in control for most of the match."
Also competing in the doubles event alongside Gustavo Fernandez, Reid will be back on court 2 for Saturday's doubles final. The pair defeated French duo Nicolas Charrier and Guilhem Laget 6-1, 6-3 in just 51 minutes. Earlier in the day, the recent WC1000 French Riviera Open champion had already eased past the French wild card in singles, 6-0, 6-1 in 49 minutes.
A nearly identical scenario unfolded for second seed Martin De La Puente, who dispatched Dutchman Tom Egberink 6-1, 6-1 in only 44 minutes. Opponents earlier in the day, the two players later joined forces in doubles and reached the final at the expense of Stéphane Houdet and Zhenxu Ji, winning 6-3, 7-6(3) in 1 hour and 29 minutes.
The top seed who faced the sternest test on Friday was undoubtedly Alfie Hewett. Taking on Zhenxu Ji, he claimed the opening set by a wide margin, although the scoreline scarcely reflected either the quality of the rallies or the length of the games.
The Chinese player became even more aggressive in the second set, taking the initiative and pushing the reigning US Open champion all the way through the opening eight games. But a late break ultimately settled a high-quality contest, with Hewett prevailing 6-1, 6-4 after 1 hour and 27 minutes.
"With an eight-player draw, you're always going to come up against tough opponents because the standard here is incredibly high," he said."That was certainly the case today against Ji. He has so many weapons, he can do a lot of damage with his shots and he's constantly able to put you on the defensive. With the courts playing quite fast, it was important to try to take control and strike first. The second set could easily have gone either way. There were only a few points in it, so I'm really pleased to have come through."
Saturday's schedule
As he bids to complete a parisian back-to-back, Alfie Hewett will now have to overcome compatriot and friend Gordon Reid in the semi-finals. The two Britons produced a memorable final at this event last year, and their latest meeting promises to be equally compelling.
That must-see clash will be followed by another blockbuster encounter between Gustavo Fernandez and Martin De La Puente. The two stars will also square off later in the day, from 4pm, in the doubles final, once again on court 2.