Juan Beaus and Gordon Reid Claim Second Consecutive Roland Garros Wheelchair Doubles Title
British wheelchair tennis duo Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett, coached by Spanish legend Juan Beaus, have successfully defended their Roland Garros wheelchair doubles title with a commanding victory over Spain’s Martín de la Puente and France’s Stéphane Houdet. The triumph, secured on the iconic clay courts of Stade Roland Garros, marks the third consecutive Grand Slam title for Reid and Hewett, cementing their status as the dominant force in wheelchair tennis.
Why This Victory Matters in Wheelchair Tennis
This wasn’t just another title for Reid and Hewett—it was a statement. The British pair, who already claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in 2026, now hold all four major wheelchair doubles championships in a single season. Their partnership, nurtured by coach Juan Beaus since 2023, has redefined excellence in the sport.
For Beaus, a coach with a proven track record in wheelchair tennis, this victory adds to his already illustrious career. The Seville-born strategist, who has worked with top wheelchair athletes for over a decade, has become synonymous with success in the discipline. His ability to adapt tactics to the unique demands of clay courts—particularly at Roland Garros—has been a key factor in Reid and Hewett’s dominance.
The Final: A Tactical Masterclass on Clay
The final between Reid/Hewett and de la Puente/Houdet was a high-octane battle that lasted just under two hours. The British pair, playing with their customary aggression, broke early in the first set and never looked back. Their serve-and-volley approach, honed under Beaus’ guidance, proved decisive on the slippery Parisian clay.
Key moments included:
- First-set dominance: Reid and Hewett won six of the first seven games, breaking de la Puente in the third game.
- Clay court adaptation: The British duo adjusted their baseline game mid-match, mixing drop shots and topspin forehands to exploit the surface.
- Final rally: A 22-shot exchange in the 12th game of the second set saw Reid and Hewett convert a break point to seal the victory.
The match ended 6-2, 6-1 in favor of Reid and Hewett, who now lead the 2026 Grand Slam season with an undefeated record in doubles.
How Reid and Hewett Reached the Final
The path to the Roland Garros wheelchair doubles title was not without challenges. Reid and Hewett navigated a grueling draw that tested their endurance and tactical flexibility.
In the quarterfinals, they faced the French-Japanese duo of Frédéric Cattaneo and Miki Oda, defeating them in straight sets (6-3, 6-4). The victory showcased their ability to adapt to different playing styles, as Cattaneo and Oda relied heavily on aggressive baseline rallies.
The semifinal clash against another French-Japanese pairing, this time Frédéric Cattaneo and Tokito Oda Miki, proved even more challenging. The British duo secured a hard-fought three-set victory (7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4), demonstrating their mental toughness and resilience.
Juan Beaus: The Architect Behind the Success
While Reid and Hewett have been the on-court stars, their coach Juan Beaus has been the unsung hero of their success. Beaus, who began working with the pair in 2023, has played a crucial role in refining their game strategy, particularly on clay surfaces.
“Juan’s ability to analyze opponents and adjust our tactics mid-match has been invaluable,” Reid said in a post-match interview. “His experience with clay courts, especially at Roland Garros, has given us a significant edge.”
Beaus’ coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and mental resilience. He has worked extensively with Reid and Hewett on their serve-and-volley approach, which has proven particularly effective on the slower clay courts of Paris. His experience coaching wheelchair athletes, including previous Grand Slam champions, has been instrumental in their recent success.
Setting the Standard for Wheelchair Tennis
Reid and Hewett’s back-to-back Roland Garros titles continue a trend of British dominance in wheelchair tennis. The duo has now won three of the four Grand Slam doubles titles in 2026, joining an elite group of athletes who have achieved such success in the sport.
Their rivalry with de la Puente and Houdet, who finished as runners-up, adds an extra layer of excitement to the wheelchair tennis circuit. The Spanish-French pair, who won the 2025 Australian Open, have emerged as the primary challengers to Reid and Hewett’s supremacy.
This victory also highlights the growing popularity of wheelchair tennis. The sport has seen increased media coverage and sponsorship in recent years, with events like Roland Garros drawing larger crowds and higher-profile athletes.
What’s Next for Reid, Hewett, and Beaus?
With their third consecutive Grand Slam title secured, Reid and Hewett will now turn their attention to the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. The British duo will be looking to complete the Calendar Grand Slam by winning the prestigious grass-court event.
Beaus, meanwhile, will continue to refine his coaching approach, with an eye on the 2027 season. The Spanish coach has already hinted at potential adjustments to Reid and Hewett’s game, particularly in preparation for the faster surfaces of Wimbledon.
For de la Puente and Houdet, the focus will shift to regaining their form and challenging Reid and Hewett in the remaining Grand Slam events. Their semifinal appearance at Roland Garros has already boosted their ranking, and they will be aiming to build on this momentum.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Roland Garros Wheelchair Doubles Final
- British dominance: Reid and Hewett’s back-to-back titles at Roland Garros solidify their status as the top wheelchair doubles pair in the world.
- Clay court mastery: The British duo’s ability to adapt their game to the unique demands of clay has been a key factor in their success.
- Coaching impact: Juan Beaus’ strategic insights and experience have been instrumental in Reid and Hewett’s recent victories.
- Rivalry intensifies: The clash between Reid/Hewett and de la Puente/Houdet adds excitement to the wheelchair tennis circuit.
- Growing popularity: Increased media coverage and sponsorship highlight the sport’s expanding influence.
How to Follow Wheelchair Tennis
For fans looking to stay updated on wheelchair tennis, the following resources provide official updates and coverage:
- International Tennis Federation (ITF) Wheelchair Tennis – Official governing body for wheelchair tennis.
- Roland Garros Official Website – For tournament schedules and results.
- Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Wheelchair Tennis – Covers both men’s and women’s wheelchair events.
