PARIS - Japan's Tokito Oda, the top seed, won his fourth consecutive French Open men's wheelchair singles title Saturday, beating second-seeded Alfie Hewett of Britain 6-3, 6-3 in the final at Roland Garros in Paris.
The 20-year-old matched compatriot Shingo Kunieda's record of four consecutive titles at the event. Kunieda, a Japanese wheelchair tennis legend, received the government's prestigious People's Honor Award, in 2023.
Oda has now won five consecutive Grand Slam singles titles and nine overall. After sealing the victory on Saturday, he thrust both fists into the air, having stuck to his aggressive style against his rival Hewett, who beat him twice in March and April.
"I felt almost at home because I could see so many Japanese flags in the stands, and I feel really good," Oda said. "I am working hard with the aim of winning 10 or even 20 straight titles, and I want to keep growing."
Oda showed absolute confidence on the clay, calling it "my own space." In the first set, he escaped a 0-40 hole with attacking shots and an ace. He went on to take the second set as well, completing a straight-sets win.
Although it was his first Grand Slam tournament since turning 20, Oda said he still values taking risks. "I think I would stop winning matches if I did not have a dangerous side. I want to remain a child forever," he said.
The women's singles title, meanwhile, went to fourth-seeded Diede de Groot of the Netherlands.
