Wheelchair tennis champion Alfie Hewett receives OBE

Alfie Hewett, 25 and from Cantley, was made an OBE for his services to tennis in King Charles' first Birthday Honours List in June.

Today (October 3) Mr Hewett and doubles partner Gordon Reid met the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle, where the Norfolk sports star was given his OBE.

Alfie Hewett with the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. Picture - PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)The Norfolk tennis ace has achieved massive success on the court. With Mr Reid, he has secured 18 wheelchair tennis doubles grand slam titles, with their latest coming at Wimbledon in July, where the duo beat the world's number one Tokito Oda and partner Takuyu Miki.

As a solo player, Mr Hewett has won eight grand slam singles titles throughout his career, with the most recent being against his doubles partner at the US Open in September.

Alfie Hewett after being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture - PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)Following the Birthday Honours List’s publication earlier this year, Mr Hewett said: "I never would have dreamt that I’d receive something like this in my lifetime, I just get my head down and work hard in the sport that I love.

"I’m extremely proud and grateful for this, and everyone who has helped me get to where I am today."

Alfie Hewett in action at Tokyo 2020. Picture - PA (Image: PA)The tennis ace said it was "amazing to see wheelchair tennis and disability sport get this level of recognition" and the acknowledgement was vital in encouraging a more inclusive culture in sport and society.

Turning pro in 2015, Mr Hewett was crowned the youngest ever singles masters champion just two years later and again in 2021, when he also won the doubles title.

Mr Hewett still lives in Norfolk and trains at David Lloyd and Easton College in Norwich.

He and Mr Reid were joined by Paralympians Lora Fachie and her husband Neil, who are both visually impaired, in receiving their OBEs at Windsor Castle today.

Gordon Reid (left) and Alfie Hewett after both being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture - PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)