For all his success, which features a mixed 30 Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles, Hewett is aware of the sensation of heartbreaking defeats and this can absolutely be among the many hardest to take.
On the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, he and doubles companion Gordon Reid had been left in tears once they had been overwhelmed within the doubles gold-medal match in a final-set tie-break.
Hewett bought even nearer right here however Oda fought again to win the ultimate 4 video games, securing gold after two hours and 38 minutes with a collection of winners because the Briton served to pressure one other deciding tie-break.
Such an epic contest appeared unlikely as Hewett struggled badly within the first set. Instantly after the primary recreation, he needed to name for the physio and depart the courtroom for remedy on a groin downside.
When he returned he may solely handle to win 5 of twenty-two factors on his personal serve within the set as Oda dominated.
The momentum of the match appeared to shift for the primary time within the fourth recreation of the second set, a 26-point epic through which Hewett saved a fifth break level with a powerful winner across the net-post that had Oda applauding and the group on Chatrier roaring.
When Hewett lastly held for 2-2, he leaned again in his chair and threw his arms into the air, simply as he had within the second of profitable doubles gold alongside Reid on Friday.
He then bought the decisive break at 4-4 whereas the roof was closing in anticipation of anticipated rain and shortly levelled the match.
Hewett and Oda exchanged breaks in the beginning of the decider with the Briton entering into entrance once more at 2-1 and sustaining his lead, till the missed match level deflated him and sparked his opponent again into life.