Women's Wheelchair Final

:00:40. > :00:45.Good afternoon and welcome to the most gorgeously sunny day at

:00:46. > :00:51.Wimbledon. It is Ladies' Singles final day and later on we will be

:00:52. > :00:55.bringing you Serena Williams playing for 22nd Grand Slam title up against

:00:56. > :01:01.Angelique Kerber. But we are on court 17 with a big crowd around us

:01:02. > :01:05.because there is interest in the final of the wheelchair doubles.

:01:06. > :01:09.Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid taking on Stephane Houdet and Nicolas

:01:10. > :01:15.Peifer. I have two wheelchair experts with me. We have the British

:01:16. > :01:20.number one wheelchair woman, Jordanne Whiley, who will be playing

:01:21. > :01:26.tomorrow in the final of the women's doubles. Peter, first of all, as a

:01:27. > :01:30.final, how tough is this? It doesn't get any tougher than this. This is

:01:31. > :01:36.Wimbledon, the tournament everybody wants to win, and also the toughest.

:01:37. > :01:41.There will be a lot of nervous out there. You know both of them very

:01:42. > :01:47.well. What should we expect and how do they combine as a pair? Gordon

:01:48. > :01:51.and Alfie are good friends, which helps. Gordon has the cheeky lefty

:01:52. > :01:56.serve going and Alfie is young and up and coming and he is dangerous.

:01:57. > :02:00.What will they have done this morning in terms of practice and

:02:01. > :02:03.preparation and tactically to take on the top seeds? Yes, they will

:02:04. > :02:07.have practised this morning and then sat down with their coaches and got

:02:08. > :02:11.tactics going. I would think they would want to concentrate on what

:02:12. > :02:17.they are going to do as a pair to destroy the French power. The French

:02:18. > :02:21.pair coming out now. Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer. They are very

:02:22. > :02:26.experienced, they are very strong as well. They will be starting the

:02:27. > :02:28.knock up very shortly. We have the opportunity to hear from both Gordon

:02:29. > :02:37.and Alfie, so let's do that now. I can only imagine how you boys are

:02:38. > :02:43.feeling, playing at Wimbledon in the final. Put that into words for us.

:02:44. > :02:49.It is incredible. Our first time playing together at a Grand Slam in

:02:50. > :02:54.front of our home crowd and into the final. A good performance. All good

:02:55. > :02:59.times at the moment. Do you look at the sides and the sounds and try and

:03:00. > :03:07.take it all end? It must be hard to come beat. Wimbledon is an amazing

:03:08. > :03:09.place and an amazing venue to be at. It really helped with our

:03:10. > :03:14.preparations for the Paralympics because you don't get many chances

:03:15. > :03:19.to be at events like that. Last year I played against Gordon and it was

:03:20. > :03:23.an epic match. To be on his side of the net this time was a really good

:03:24. > :03:28.feeling. What about playing on grass? You both played singles this

:03:29. > :03:33.week. How much hard is it to play on grass because you don't do that very

:03:34. > :03:38.often during the tour? It is tough because we don't get the momentum on

:03:39. > :03:42.our chairs that we get on a hard or clay-court, so physically it is

:03:43. > :03:46.tougher on the upper body. You always try to generate that power to

:03:47. > :03:52.move yourself around the court. It is quite stop start in the chair. It

:03:53. > :03:56.is physically more tiring. It is a good chance to test our physical

:03:57. > :04:00.fitness as well. A lot of our game is based around movement as well.

:04:01. > :04:06.Today was a real test to see how we would do. Playing on grass is much

:04:07. > :04:12.tougher and I think we adapted well to the conditions today. And the

:04:13. > :04:17.surface itself. Really confident about going into the final tomorrow.

:04:18. > :04:23.And here they are warming up. Peter, just explain the design of the

:04:24. > :04:26.wheelchair tennis. It is a specific wheelchair, generally five wheelers.

:04:27. > :04:32.An antique tipping device at the back to keep the player safe when

:04:33. > :04:39.they are leaning back to serve. Very fast with Campbell on the wheels so

:04:40. > :04:42.they turn very quickly. They are made of titanium, carbon fibre, so

:04:43. > :04:47.very expensive but specific for tennis. In terms of the rules of

:04:48. > :04:51.wheelchair tennis, what are the differences from what we normally

:04:52. > :04:55.watch? There is only one real change. We would have two bounces,

:04:56. > :04:59.which is optional. The first bounce has got to be inside the court but

:05:00. > :05:04.the second can be anywhere. Other than that, the rules are the same.

:05:05. > :05:09.What would be a really good doubles technique? Have you got one at the

:05:10. > :05:17.net, at the baseline another? Do you both stay back? It depends. In Men's

:05:18. > :05:20.Doubles, you tend to see both going forward and in women's bows back,

:05:21. > :05:25.but it is effective to go forward and take time away from your

:05:26. > :05:29.opponent, but it is obviously up to the pair themselves. I knew that

:05:30. > :05:36.would happen! I think Gordon was aiming that at you, Peter. 1-0!

:05:37. > :05:43.Peter told me that we were right on courtside as they warm up. He said

:05:44. > :05:50.he would save me. He also pointed out it should be good morning and

:05:51. > :05:53.not good afternoon! What kind of competitor is Gordon? He has a very

:05:54. > :05:59.good persona. He brings confidence and he holds his head high. That is

:06:00. > :06:03.quite intimidating for an opponent. For Alfie that is good for him to

:06:04. > :06:07.look up to and follow through because he is fearless. He is a

:06:08. > :06:11.young player and he will look up to Gordon. Alfie is on the left and he

:06:12. > :06:17.is only 18 and he has got a wicked backhand. We saw that yesterday in

:06:18. > :06:21.the semifinal. He is absolutely fearless and courageous and he hits

:06:22. > :06:28.that backhand top-spin. It is a real weapon against these two. Gordon and

:06:29. > :06:36.Alfie will need that today. As for Houdet and Peifer, they couldn't get

:06:37. > :06:39.tougher opposition. Top seeds, great experience, they combine well

:06:40. > :06:43.together as well. I personally think Peifer is one of the most talented

:06:44. > :06:48.wheelchair players and on a good day he is very dangerous. Houdet has an

:06:49. > :06:53.amazing server so they have got to watch out for that. And it is best

:06:54. > :07:00.of three sets? Yes, best of three tie-break sets. In terms of how they

:07:01. > :07:04.start, will they be nervous? Or will they think home crowd, here we go? I

:07:05. > :07:09.would think they will be a bit nervous. It will be about who

:07:10. > :07:14.settles down quickest. I was not expecting long rallies yesterday. I

:07:15. > :07:17.expected more slices, really cutting through, low on the ball, it becomes

:07:18. > :07:22.quite fast, but it will be interesting to see who settles down

:07:23. > :07:26.fast and take the early break. We talk a lot about the different

:07:27. > :07:32.services for tennis. How is grass for wheelchair tennis? It is very

:07:33. > :07:36.difficult for movement. I found that out yesterday in my semifinal. Very

:07:37. > :07:41.tiring on the arms. For anybody with a good slice, it plays right into

:07:42. > :07:44.their hands. The ball just dies and it skids through. We have great

:07:45. > :07:49.conditions today. What does that mean for the flight of the ball? The

:07:50. > :07:53.courts are quicker than earlier in The Championships and we have

:07:54. > :07:57.sunshine. It will be good for Gordimer that amazing slice and the

:07:58. > :08:04.lefty slice that he can get on his serve that will kick out. -- for

:08:05. > :08:09.Gordon. The courts will be better for their movement. You mentioned it

:08:10. > :08:13.in passing, and I realise it was a difficult singles semifinal for you

:08:14. > :08:16.yesterday, and you have the doubles tomorrow. Talk through how you feel

:08:17. > :08:24.you performed and what you want to do next. I was really disappointed

:08:25. > :08:29.yesterday. It was my dream to win Wimbledon and now it is over. Only

:08:30. > :08:34.for this year. And only for singles because I also have doubles. I

:08:35. > :08:39.played really well but I didn't take my opportunities. And it will be an

:08:40. > :08:45.all Dutch final for the women's. They have so much investment in

:08:46. > :08:49.wheelchair tennis and they invested for years in a player who went

:08:50. > :08:53.unbeaten for 500 matches. They really make sure everybody has

:08:54. > :08:57.access. Yes, the Dutch have been strong for many years. They have a

:08:58. > :09:00.good set-up in Holland. The country is small so they can train together

:09:01. > :09:05.all the time. Since Esther retired, it has opened up the women's game

:09:06. > :09:09.and they are always winning the Grand Slams. They are not always

:09:10. > :09:15.going to win a medal at Rio because I am there! Exactly right. As far as

:09:16. > :09:20.Rio is concerned, for Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, will be major gold

:09:21. > :09:24.medal hopes that the Paralympics? Absolutely. They are well within the

:09:25. > :09:31.frame for a gold medal. We are in the frame for six medals. Jordanne

:09:32. > :09:39.within the frame had two. Just a couple of mistakes yesterday. That

:09:40. > :09:42.is all. So close. Another year. They are all young, these girls. We have

:09:43. > :09:45.great things ahead of us. I am really looking forward to Rio after

:09:46. > :09:49.these matches. It is exciting times for British tennis. I am going to

:09:50. > :09:55.let Peter go because he is part of the commentary team along with Paul.

:09:56. > :10:01.Jordanne, as Peter goes, we can talk about him! How much did he do to

:10:02. > :10:05.encourage more people to take up wheelchair tennis? He really was the

:10:06. > :10:09.leader. He was. He was so successful. I love Peter. He is

:10:10. > :10:13.absolutely fantastic. Some people think he is like Marmite, you either

:10:14. > :10:19.love or hate him, but he is full of wisdom. He is fantastic and an

:10:20. > :10:22.ambassador for wheelchair tennis. And he is very honest. He never

:10:23. > :10:27.tells you something unless it is true. That is right. That is why I

:10:28. > :10:31.respect him because every word out of his mouth is true and he cares.

:10:32. > :10:36.We need to move out of the way because we are not far off play

:10:37. > :10:39.happening. This is the gentlemen is wheelchair doubles, the top seeds

:10:40. > :10:42.Stephane Houdet and Nicholas spice of France against the second seeds,

:10:43. > :10:50.Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid of Great Britain. -- Nicolas Peifer of

:10:51. > :11:00.France. Good morning. We are focusing on the

:11:01. > :11:05.gentlemen is wheelchair doubles. A fantastic chance for them to

:11:06. > :11:11.showcase their talents on these hallowed lawns of SW19. And all

:11:12. > :11:16.European final, to the delight of the seeding committee. The top two

:11:17. > :11:19.seeds in the event, Houdet and Peifer against Alfie Hewett and

:11:20. > :11:25.Gordon Reid of Great Britain. So France against Great Britain. Just

:11:26. > :11:33.to remind those of you that are new to this format, the best of three

:11:34. > :11:37.tie-break sets will play, and the players get two bounces. The first

:11:38. > :11:43.bounce has got to be inside the court and the second can bounce

:11:44. > :11:46.anywhere. Big chance today for Britain's 24-year-old Glaswegian

:11:47. > :11:52.Gordon Reid to do the double. That would mean winning the singles

:11:53. > :11:55.tomorrow and the Men's Doubles wheelchair event. A feat he came so

:11:56. > :12:03.close to doing in the Australian Open in January. He is in contention

:12:04. > :12:08.tomorrow in the singles final but for now he is going to focus here,

:12:09. > :12:16.up against a very tough team. It is teed up to be a super match. The top

:12:17. > :12:21.two seeds going to as the tournament heads towards an enthralling climax.

:12:22. > :12:26.There is Peifer, and he is a defending champion here. He won this

:12:27. > :12:30.title here with Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina.

:12:31. > :12:41.Umpire Martin Etheridge presiding over this one, a Britain. Alfie

:12:42. > :12:47.Hewett hails from Norwich and this is his first ever Grand Slam final,

:12:48. > :12:51.and he is alongside the man who won the Australian Open singles earlier

:12:52. > :13:05.this year, in January, in Melbourne. Twice a Men's Doubles champion,

:13:06. > :13:11.Gordon Reid. He won last year with the Japanese competitor and he won

:13:12. > :13:15.the US Open doubles along with Houdet, who is on the right of the

:13:16. > :13:20.picture, the French man. The most heralded player out here, the most

:13:21. > :13:25.decorated on tour. The man with a cap and the gloves, 45 years old,

:13:26. > :13:31.that Parisian. A man of vast experience. They are the top seeds,

:13:32. > :13:34.up against the second seeds. It will be the Brits to get us under way,

:13:35. > :14:06.with Alfie Hewett to serve. Making his Grand Slam debut at

:14:07. > :14:11.Wimbledon. That was last year, narrowly missing out on the Men's

:14:12. > :14:14.Doubles final, and he is in his first Grand Slam final. Thunderous

:14:15. > :14:34.response. I have just been joined by Pistol

:14:35. > :14:40.Pete Norfolk, OBE, the gold medallist. He will be chatting you

:14:41. > :14:45.through this. Good morning. For Alfie Hewett it is all about

:14:46. > :14:53.handling this sense of occasion of course. Very easy to shrink and the

:14:54. > :14:58.magnitude of this event. But it is the same court, the ball is round,

:14:59. > :15:02.and he has got to get hold of that sense of the ordinary, everyday

:15:03. > :15:08.tennis point. Ball by ball, take care of the small moments and the

:15:09. > :15:12.big moments take care of themselves. He looks well settled already. I

:15:13. > :15:14.watched a great practice this morning between Alfie and Gordon and

:15:15. > :15:51.they looked in fine fettle. Oh! A swing and a miss for Gordy as

:15:52. > :15:58.they call him. Still a smile, though. I think he was still looking

:15:59. > :16:01.at the shot Alfie did, that reverse backhand, height, took it straight

:16:02. > :16:05.out of the air. A wonderful shot. Then Gordon missed. They're still

:16:06. > :16:12.up. 40-15.

:16:13. > :16:18.Gordon alongside trying to pick up any fallout from a good return from

:16:19. > :16:21.the other end. Spilling long with that forehand. He

:16:22. > :16:25.has looked focussed throughout this game, so far. Still has more room to

:16:26. > :16:43.manoeuvre here. Another game point opportunity then.

:16:44. > :16:49.Oh, a terrific lob from Stephane Houdet. Oldest man on court, 45, he

:16:50. > :16:53.will hate me for saying it. A big familiar man, as well. Two sets of

:16:54. > :16:56.twins he has. He is a qualified vet. Former world number one disability

:16:57. > :17:00.golfer, as well. Remarkable!

:17:01. > :17:05.Very intelligent man. Very clever. Nice guy. Nice guy on tour. Always

:17:06. > :17:10.plays with the gloves, very distinguished in that regard and the

:17:11. > :17:14.cap on. The gloves so he doesn't miss a push, gives him extra grip

:17:15. > :17:27.and friction. Fantastic overhead.

:17:28. > :17:34.APPLAUSE A little bit of a lapse from 40-0

:17:35. > :17:37.but he is trying to pull his way through from the net. Alfie really

:17:38. > :17:41.pumped here. That's great to see. He is confident. That's what Gordon

:17:42. > :17:47.needs. Fourth game point opportunity then

:17:48. > :18:02.for Alfie Hewett to put the Britons in front out here.

:18:03. > :18:10.We saw a bit of that yesterday when it was blustery, and just coming

:18:11. > :18:15.back off court as I was pushing here it was swirly. Yeah, it is. 14mph

:18:16. > :18:19.winds today from the south-west I am told by our weather lady in the

:18:20. > :18:24.office. Humid, as well. You mentioned that, Peter, on wheeling

:18:25. > :18:31.up here at pace. Very sticky. Not sure about at pace! Yes, I had to

:18:32. > :18:35.whizz back off court and get up here, push uphill. Lots of crowds,

:18:36. > :18:39.though. Really good. It's great fun. The atmosphere is fantastic. Don't

:18:40. > :19:02.tell me they were after your autograph? Not mine, the players!

:19:03. > :19:14.Oh! A beautifully weighted drop shot from the youngest man on court. Take

:19:15. > :19:18.a bow, Alfie Hewett. Fantastic! Watch this.

:19:19. > :19:23.Carries into the court, follows his dropped shot. It was wonderful. No

:19:24. > :19:27.way that was coming back. It's all about him getting this first game

:19:28. > :19:31.under his belt for confidence. Yeah, you will see these guys, there

:19:32. > :19:40.is a lot of movement and keeping the chairs rolling and keeping it

:19:41. > :19:43.moving. One up, one back. Just like able-bodied tennis it's about

:19:44. > :19:49.intensity of movement and energy. And talking to each other. A

:19:50. > :19:59.brilliant service hold. They get there in the end. Hewett and Reid

:20:00. > :20:00.lead. A delightful start for Alfie Hewett

:20:01. > :20:08.to settle Important to get the scoreboard

:20:09. > :20:12.reeling. Gordon at 24, slightly older.

:20:13. > :20:18.It's a big moment because you would imagine Alfie will be leaning on

:20:19. > :20:20.Gordon in that regard. Gordon has played several Grand Slam finals

:20:21. > :20:24.already. He is much more experienced. To be fair, I was

:20:25. > :20:28.surprised that they choose to serve and Alfie choose to serve first.

:20:29. > :20:36.That's showing he has courage and he is not scared of the big occasion.

:20:37. > :20:40.This is a huge occasion for them. To be called Wimbledon champions is

:20:41. > :20:43.a massive accolade. It's what all of us tennis players would like to be.

:20:44. > :20:49.You can't be thinking that on court, can you? You have to go moment by

:20:50. > :20:53.moment. That's what I admired about Alfie, he was still focussed.

:20:54. > :21:01.Stephane Houdet serving to get the French campaign under way.

:21:02. > :21:05.He has a big heavy serve, Houdet. Leans right out of his chair to give

:21:06. > :21:21.him that rotation and very strong. A little bit of confusion down the

:21:22. > :21:30.middle of the court there amongst the Brits. Houdet is a gold

:21:31. > :21:30.medallist in 2008 in Beijing. The men's doubles, Paralympic Games

:21:31. > :21:54.there. This man's from Versailles, both

:21:55. > :21:58.Frenchman but Houdet a man of vast experience. Screaming at his partner

:21:59. > :22:03.there. He couldn't quite get there, though. Look at the movement here.

:22:04. > :22:15.He has got it. Oh, just overcooking the volley,

:22:16. > :22:21.Alfie. Created the opening, Alfie pushed really hard and got the ball

:22:22. > :22:22.back. Then it was - hit it back to Alfie and it needed a nice little

:22:23. > :22:39.volley. Nice try. Went for the dropped shot

:22:40. > :22:42.there. It's hardly the dropped shot off a fast oncoming ball. It comes

:22:43. > :22:46.off the court really fast. When you are down there you can see the ball

:22:47. > :22:51.coming off really quickly. They also want to hit it on the first bounce.

:22:52. > :22:55.They don't want to hit the ball on the second bounce because it's

:22:56. > :22:58.dying. Lovely return of serve by Alfie

:22:59. > :23:05.Hewett hitting it back down for a winner.

:23:06. > :23:07.The French team then still with a game point opportunity here to

:23:08. > :23:14.square this match up early in this opening set.

:23:15. > :23:20.Houdet holds on then and locks us in at 1-1. The man with four doubles

:23:21. > :23:21.Masters Championships to his name, Stephane Houdet getting the French

:23:22. > :23:28.under way. Serving duty into the hands of

:23:29. > :24:05.Gordon Reid, the lefty. Oh! A thunderous smash from Nicolas

:24:06. > :24:12.Peifer. This man became world number one in 2007. That was menacing. They

:24:13. > :24:16.don't want to really want to bring Peifer into this match. If he is on

:24:17. > :24:24.a streak he is really difficult to beat. Really talented tennis player.

:24:25. > :24:29.Together these two won the men's doubles title in the Australian Open

:24:30. > :24:31.in January. And Wimbledon a couple of summers ago, so they're very,

:24:32. > :24:49.very experienced. In terms of rankings you have the

:24:50. > :24:56.world number one serving there, Alfie is the world number six.

:24:57. > :24:59.Peifer is third and Houdet second. This team here, the Brits are the

:25:00. > :25:09.second seeds. The French are the number ones. Look at that return

:25:10. > :25:13.from the mercurial man from verb vails. Fabulous tennis. -- remember

:25:14. > :25:38.sails. Laser accuracy there. He often play as reverse backhand.

:25:39. > :25:42.We will look into that later. He plays with the same side of the

:25:43. > :25:46.racquet. It's easier to manoeuvre the racquet head around the chair

:25:47. > :25:52.and hit it with the same side of the racquet face as the forehand. Giving

:25:53. > :25:56.them more pace and top spin. It's like hitting the forehand on both

:25:57. > :26:02.sides. Gordon is doing it as well, reverse backhand. And Alfie.

:26:03. > :26:09.I wouldn't say it's the new way of playing, but it came into wheelchair

:26:10. > :26:12.tennis a few years ago and they've been doing less slice, but on the

:26:13. > :26:16.grass they actually need to be doing more slice to keep the ball lower

:26:17. > :26:22.and then you can't get under it to do that reverse.

:26:23. > :26:32.In keeping with their opening game, that's a tough long service game for

:26:33. > :26:36.the Brits again. That was a big standout feature in yesterday's

:26:37. > :26:41.semifinal matches. It was very much a return dominated affair. Both

:26:42. > :26:47.semifinals featured six breaks of serve, remarkably.

:26:48. > :26:50.Yeah, it's a feature here. It's tough to hold your serve.

:26:51. > :27:01.Look at that. Gordon pushed up to the net.

:27:02. > :27:10.Hewett and Reid then hold on and keep their noses in front here.

:27:11. > :27:20.It's a glorious day. A few fluffy white clouds and plenty of people

:27:21. > :27:27.packed on to the hill. Say hello! Capacity up to 7,000. What are we

:27:28. > :27:32.going with? Still Henman Hill, I think. Spotted on camera. A lovely

:27:33. > :27:35.moment and proud moment for wheelchair tennis to get exposure on

:27:36. > :27:40.the hill. It's a wonderful day. We have got - playing at Wimbledon, the

:27:41. > :27:44.sun is out and British interest in a Wimbledon final. That's always

:27:45. > :27:50.exciting. I am really happy to be here this week. We have some amazing

:27:51. > :27:56.tennis going on now and still to come. This one is the most coveted

:27:57. > :28:04.title, no doubt about it. It's nice to see the brollies being used for

:28:05. > :28:10.shade, rather than the wet stuff. Still early doors out here then. The

:28:11. > :28:20.French top seeds in this encounter are trailing by a game. Serving at

:28:21. > :28:25.1-2. There is the light titanium-based sports chairs. With

:28:26. > :28:38.the angled big wheels to allow for quick turns and fast movement.

:28:39. > :28:48.Peifer, the last man in the first serving rotation, from Versailles

:28:49. > :28:55.desperate to get his service hold under his belt.

:28:56. > :29:00.It's a unique chair that one of Houdet's. We will talk about that in

:29:01. > :29:09.a while. Brilliant! What a dropped shot from

:29:10. > :29:14.Gordon Reid. Britain's finest at his best there. Lovely soft hands around

:29:15. > :29:21.the net. I think you will see that more in the men's wheelchair tennis,

:29:22. > :29:29.you see more one back, one forward. They cut down that time the

:29:30. > :29:33.opponent's got and also they have more choice of shot, dropped shot.

:29:34. > :29:46.A good dig. That's good pushing.

:29:47. > :29:49.Oh brilliant from Peifer. The forehand angle, a really sharp power

:29:50. > :29:55.angle there from the talented Frenchman.

:29:56. > :30:01.20 years between the players on the French team.

:30:02. > :30:24.But they jel very well together. A limp backhand there from Houdet,

:30:25. > :30:28.uncharacteristic. I agree. I thought he is going to try and slice it to

:30:29. > :31:10.keep the ball down. That was absolutely sublime! His

:31:11. > :31:17.touch so far has been immaculate. Stealthy approach and then realised

:31:18. > :31:21.he had to back off. The chair was going backwards as well. The initial

:31:22. > :31:28.break of serve to the British duo, to their delight. You can see how

:31:29. > :31:33.much it means. Fantastic chair skills by Gordon. He saw that Houdet

:31:34. > :31:34.was going to try and lob him, and he started reversing furiously. Great

:31:35. > :31:58.play. They don't need that. That is too

:31:59. > :32:03.easy. They cannot afford to give away free points to the French pair.

:32:04. > :32:07.We have all played big matches. One of the issues is you don't want

:32:08. > :32:11.Alfie getting ahead of himself, indeed, any of these players,

:32:12. > :32:15.because the thought of winning the doubles at Wimbledon is very

:32:16. > :32:21.menacing. You have just got to focus on this point, this ball, right

:32:22. > :32:26.here. That comes with experience. Experience of playing big matches.

:32:27. > :32:34.Lady luck working against them there. Staring down the barrel

:32:35. > :32:38.somewhat at 0-30 on his own service game. He had a long opening service

:32:39. > :32:42.hold but he has work to do, Alfie Hewett. Desperately wants to land

:32:43. > :33:08.his first serve. Just overcooked it. You can see that

:33:09. > :33:10.is good tactics, Houdet taking Alfie out wide pass the tramlines and then

:33:11. > :33:24.hitting it hard back to the middle. This is where they are struggling,

:33:25. > :33:26.only winning one from six points of their second serves, the British

:33:27. > :33:40.duo. That is absolutely brilliant. Some

:33:41. > :33:47.magical moments from Gordon Reid. Whenever he gets his racket to the

:33:48. > :33:51.ball. Wonderful hands. Undercut the ball so when it bounced onto the

:33:52. > :34:01.green stuff, it just faded off to the left.

:34:02. > :34:17.The French with two more break points here.

:34:18. > :34:22.That is blistering from Alfie Hewett. Second break point

:34:23. > :34:31.opportunity snuffed out for the French. The French were crossing,

:34:32. > :34:36.Houdet ducked, and then miscommunication between Peifer and

:34:37. > :34:42.Houdet. Peifer thought Houdet was going to spin and take that. You see

:34:43. > :34:45.that so often in doubles, a bit of miscommunication down the middle

:34:46. > :35:05.where most of the traffic goes. Houdet just missing the forehand

:35:06. > :35:16.angle, a bit too greedy in that respect. Of course Houdet had a

:35:17. > :35:24.tough match yesterday. Bit of disappointment for him there. I hope

:35:25. > :35:29.that is good for the British pair. He lost to Stefan Olsson, the

:35:30. > :35:34.surprise Swedish finalist in the Men's Singles wheelchair draw. He

:35:35. > :35:43.will be playing Gordon in the final tomorrow. Houdet came to a very long

:35:44. > :35:50.doubles with Peifer, Stefan Olsson and Maikel Scheffers. He avenged a

:35:51. > :36:06.defeat against Stefan Olsson in the doubles to redeem himself.

:36:07. > :36:14.Fourth break point opportunity for the French denied by Alfie Hewett.

:36:15. > :36:20.Bit of nerves showing by Peifer perhaps. It was stabbing, that

:36:21. > :36:25.forehand. Very surprising. Ball to the good for the British pair. They

:36:26. > :36:26.are feeling really confident. They have come out of the blocks all

:36:27. > :36:42.firing. It is the battle of youth versus

:36:43. > :36:53.experience. The second seeds are more useful but the French have won

:36:54. > :36:57.this title before. -- youthful. The bolstering of rackets between them

:36:58. > :37:05.but still didn't win. Couldn't quite clear the net. Credit to the French.

:37:06. > :37:32.Fifth break point opportunity for the top seeds, Peifer and Houdet.

:37:33. > :37:41.Oh, Alfie! A collective blast from the crowd and Alfie Hewett gets

:37:42. > :37:47.broken back. Very much back on serve. Each team with a solitary

:37:48. > :37:56.break of serve already. Hewett and Reid lead 3-2 in the opening set.

:37:57. > :38:03.Take a look at the quality of backhand here from the British team.

:38:04. > :38:07.Look at that, the reverse backhand, the same side that he hit the shot

:38:08. > :38:17.as the forehand, remarkable. You don't see that in able-bodied

:38:18. > :38:20.tennis. Wheelchair tennis, it is what the coaches trained to do in

:38:21. > :38:26.the beginning, in addition to the slice, but it is unique to

:38:27. > :38:33.wheelchair tennis. It gives you extra top-spin, control, power and

:38:34. > :38:37.pace. Hitting deep, the ball then comes off, really coming through. It

:38:38. > :38:41.is brought about because when you are in a wheelchair, you are seated

:38:42. > :38:47.lower and the ball is coming up I. On that high contact it is easier to

:38:48. > :38:51.do that than the regular backhand. Absolutely. Fascinating insight. On

:38:52. > :38:56.the grass, because these players have all got great slices as well,

:38:57. > :39:01.if they were really going to attack of the serve, would be to cut that

:39:02. > :39:07.slice deep because then you can't get under it to do that reverse

:39:08. > :39:12.backhand. The level three coaches in the LTA are trained in this, they

:39:13. > :39:16.get in the chair and recreate how it feels. Then they can coach them in

:39:17. > :39:42.time. That is menacing from the most

:39:43. > :39:47.experienced player on court. The British pair don't really want to

:39:48. > :39:59.see Houdet at the net because he has got fantastic hands and strength.

:40:00. > :40:09.Wonderful retort by Gordon Reid. He spotted that forehand down the line.

:40:10. > :40:14.The ball came straight off the baseline, wonderful shot. In 2014

:40:15. > :40:19.this man-made history, winning the Callender Grand Slam, the first

:40:20. > :40:22.men's wheelchair tennis player to win all four Grand Slam doubles

:40:23. > :41:26.titles in the same season. Remarkable such experience.

:41:27. > :41:33.A terrific pace from the Stephane Houdet, carving round the side of

:41:34. > :41:45.the ball and getting plenty of cut and paste. -- pace. He arches his

:41:46. > :41:52.back on a ball toss that seems to go away behind him to get maximum

:41:53. > :41:54.top-spin and kick. What he has done with his chair enables him to serve

:41:55. > :42:17.like this, getting power and pace. Houdet holds on and levels up,

:42:18. > :42:22.squaring the set three games all, with just inside half an hour

:42:23. > :42:24.played. Such a compelling watch so far, this one. Which way will it

:42:25. > :43:57.swing next? He is bullying the points now, the

:43:58. > :44:02.veteran. They are letting Houdet in, he is getting his confidence and

:44:03. > :44:04.settling down. That is what happens, he starts to take over and that is

:44:05. > :44:31.what they don't want. Just long for Alfie Hewett. Houdet

:44:32. > :44:35.is a real menacing presence now, pushing forwards to the net with

:44:36. > :44:41.good effect. That is where he likes to be. He likes to be up there in

:44:42. > :44:45.the court, using his hands. If he gets overheads, he put them away. He

:44:46. > :44:55.knows that Peifer at the back is really fast with a huge wingspan.

:44:56. > :45:01.Crisp put away by the net player. Well played, Alfie Hewett. I saw

:45:02. > :45:07.them do that in practice. Fantastic. Great hands. Perhaps they were just

:45:08. > :45:23.being defensive. Fantastic play. This is great wheelchair tennis.

:45:24. > :45:32.Oh, yeah, he was never going to miss that, Stephane Houdet. He has

:45:33. > :45:36.ratcheted up his level and been a compelling force in this French

:45:37. > :45:38.team. The French suddenly take the lead. They're 4-3 up in the opening

:45:39. > :45:54.set. Taking a look at Stephane Houdet's

:45:55. > :45:59.chair. It's very expensive, Peter. It's a huge project or prototype I

:46:00. > :46:07.think that Houdet has been working on with the specialist carbon fibre.

:46:08. > :46:12.He is a single amputee, as well. They've done massive amount of

:46:13. > :46:17.research and wind tunnel testing and how strength testing. The whole

:46:18. > :46:23.point is Houdet wants something that's really stable, that gives him

:46:24. > :46:27.a massive amount of reach and I think that's where at the moment his

:46:28. > :46:35.advantage is. He is quick off the mark. He has bigger castors than the

:46:36. > :46:39.other chairs. On the grass and Clare at Roland Garros we had a couple of

:46:40. > :46:45.weeks ago, Houdet is quicker and more stable. Legal? Legal, yeah. His

:46:46. > :46:50.body position is higher, as well. It kind of encourages the serve. What

:46:51. > :46:55.he is trying to do is essentially he is playing standing up tennis

:46:56. > :46:59.sitting down. He is able to recreate all those shots exactly, as a coach

:47:00. > :47:02.you will know, you will be able to coach in the same way as anyone

:47:03. > :47:09.standing up, just slightly at a different height. Here we are then.

:47:10. > :47:22.4-3. A good response from Alfie. Now the French duo have won three

:47:23. > :47:32.consecutive games here. Looking very dangerous.

:47:33. > :47:41.A terrific length from the server, Peifer there. A tough shot high and

:47:42. > :47:55.early. We are coming to the end of the week where the courts now are a

:47:56. > :47:57.bit harder, softer and skiddier. The darker patches the ball's bouncing

:47:58. > :48:13.higher. Alfie has to keep his focus on this

:48:14. > :48:26.return of serve. He can't give easy points to the French.

:48:27. > :48:33.Oh, lady luck favouring the French. Two game points then for four

:48:34. > :48:38.consecutive games for the top seeds here.

:48:39. > :48:44.They've really taken control since they were lagging behind at 1

:48:45. > :48:51.perfect 3. Yeah, they're looking quite comfortable, aren't they?

:48:52. > :48:57.A terrific serve. The ace to consolidate the lead.

:48:58. > :49:03.This is where on return of serve the returner has to be moving. He has to

:49:04. > :49:08.have the chair moving before the server hits the ball. When you are

:49:09. > :49:12.moving you can switch direction much faster and much quicker. They're

:49:13. > :49:17.landing 83 first serves in as well, which is miraculous. And it's good

:49:18. > :49:22.pace out wide too. It's a tough shot. Even if they get it back it's

:49:23. > :49:26.going to be a short mid-court ball for Houdet or someone to roll in and

:49:27. > :49:28.just hit a winner. The Brits up against it then.

:49:29. > :50:05.Trailing 3-5 here. Great get from Alfie Hewett.

:50:06. > :50:11.It was actually Gordon Reid, I beg your pardon. To no asroil in the

:50:12. > :50:15.end. Houdet is just going through points here. So effective in the

:50:16. > :50:21.forecourt. Look at that get from Gordon Reid to stay in the point.

:50:22. > :50:24.Stay in his chair, as well! It's quite difficult down there. We saw

:50:25. > :50:27.Fernandez falling out of his yesterday a couple of times and

:50:28. > :50:38.pushing back up immediately to carry on.

:50:39. > :50:46.Well, these two, you have to credit them. They've done very well to hold

:50:47. > :50:50.on to the momentum, to remind those of you joining us, they were

:50:51. > :50:54.trailing 1 perfect 3 in this opening set. It's swirly down there now.

:50:55. > :51:14.Alfie Hewett serving at 30-15. Oh! He has overcooked the angle. A

:51:15. > :51:19.rarerer from Houdet. -- a rare error from Houdet. The

:51:20. > :51:24.Brits will be pleased to see that spill wide. I thought he was going

:51:25. > :51:26.to boost it down the centre again. He has a menacing scowl! A real

:51:27. > :52:08.court presence. Oh! That's just cheeky from Peifer.

:52:09. > :52:14.Despite great defence from the second seeds... Fantastic pushing by

:52:15. > :52:19.Gordon. Look at that. Right in the back end corner.

:52:20. > :52:23.A a fabulous retrieve. Trying desperately to keep the point alive.

:52:24. > :52:28.They're being pushed back out of the court. The British pair, they're

:52:29. > :52:32.being kept out. Their defending and not being able to attack. The

:52:33. > :52:37.further back you are the less angle you can generate. That will do,

:52:38. > :52:41.though. That's a good hold of serve by Alfie Hewett. That will delight

:52:42. > :52:48.him. They're going to ask the serve it

:52:49. > :52:52.out question off Houdet and Peifer. The top seeds will come out and

:52:53. > :52:57.attempt to get the opening set their way.

:52:58. > :53:04.38 minutes played. It's been a tough day. Plenty of wind around which is

:53:05. > :53:10.always challenging for the ball toss on serve. But these players really

:53:11. > :53:14.treating us to a wonderful affair of wheelchair tennis. It's been a

:53:15. > :53:16.terrific spectacle so far and a good advert more to the point for the

:53:17. > :53:21.game of wheelchair tennis. Absolutely. You can't get a better

:53:22. > :53:27.platform than this. Saturday, Wimbledon. On the grass. Sun's out.

:53:28. > :53:33.What a fabulous advert. Wheelchair tennis is played all around the

:53:34. > :53:38.world now. It's a massive sport. These guys are fully professional,

:53:39. > :53:47.earning good prize money when they're winning. We have Rio coming

:53:48. > :53:54.up shortly. And there is plenty of prize money here, ?12,000 for the

:53:55. > :53:59.winning team, they'll split that. ?6,000 for the runners-up. There is

:54:00. > :54:03.a lot at stake here. But more significantly, when you win this

:54:04. > :54:07.event you become a Wimbledon champion. That's what they're vying

:54:08. > :54:11.for today. That's what they're after. That's what everyone wants.

:54:12. > :54:50.Stephane Houdet, the Frenchman serving for the set here at 5-4.

:54:51. > :54:54.Peifer there was caught, the ball was hit straight back at him and he

:54:55. > :55:00.poked it back over the net. It doesn't matter, as long as it goes

:55:01. > :55:04.back over. He is a - he has a calm disposition, Peifer. He has fab

:55:05. > :55:14.hands, as well. You can see he is circling in the

:55:15. > :55:29.court there. The French are being more aggressive.

:55:30. > :55:37.Brilliant backhand from Gordon Reid. There is a real energy now about the

:55:38. > :55:44.British duo. Might launch an ambush here on return of serve on the

:55:45. > :55:57.Houdet delivery. Look at that, that was thunderously struck.

:55:58. > :56:01.Well, you would imagine the Brits really want to be directing most of

:56:02. > :56:06.their traffic away from the man with the cap. Absolutely. You are right.

:56:07. > :56:12.He has been controlling affairs here. Peifer is the more erratic

:56:13. > :56:23.sometimes. Houdet's pretty steady.

:56:24. > :56:30.Oh! Brilliant from Alfie Hewett.

:56:31. > :56:35.A flash of lightning down the line from his forehand. A timely one at

:56:36. > :56:40.that. No fear. Fantastic. That's what he was doing yesterday.

:56:41. > :56:49.Alfie really suddenly came out and he had a real streak. That's exactly

:56:50. > :56:52.what the British pair need. Really hunting the ball down. Yeah,

:56:53. > :57:03.reverses pressure back on to the server.

:57:04. > :57:12.Oh! Wow. How about this?

:57:13. > :57:17.They've engineered a break point opportunity on the Stephane Houdet

:57:18. > :57:23.serve. That's Alfie being aggressive. Taking the steadiness

:57:24. > :57:31.away from the French. Peifer is either on or he is off. The British

:57:32. > :58:02.team need to hit lots to Peifer in this point, try and get this break.

:58:03. > :58:08.Oh! Arguably the best point of the match

:58:09. > :58:14.so far. Brilliant from both teams.

:58:15. > :58:21.But it's the French that stay in tact on the Houdet serve.

:58:22. > :58:41.Fabulous flashing tennis. Everyone fully committed.

:58:42. > :58:49.Just a little greedy with the angle, Gordon there. He has barely put a

:58:50. > :58:50.foot wrong all match so far. But that miss brings up set point

:58:51. > :59:31.for Houdet and Peifer. Brilliant from Gordon Reid! Fabulous

:59:32. > :59:39.hand skills, tempering the deep forehand and as Houdet was right off

:59:40. > :59:43.the court the idyllic time to play that dropped shot. Wonderful dropped

:59:44. > :59:46.shot. Great vision by Gordon. Tightly contested game this. Houdet

:59:47. > :59:53.is attempting to serve for the opening set.

:59:54. > :59:57.He snatched it a little there, Gordon. Anxious to do that little

:59:58. > :00:01.bit more with the forehand. Overpressing.

:00:02. > :00:04.So, Houdet then with a second set point opportunity here.

:00:05. > :00:21.Poised and balanced. Oh! That's a thunderous finish from

:00:22. > :00:23.the Frenchman. That's a high-five. They've snatched

:00:24. > :00:33.the opening set then. Very highly competitive. 6-4 to the

:00:34. > :00:47.top seeds. It was an extraordinarily high level

:00:48. > :00:50.of tennis. Both teams above 70% first serves in. The statistic that

:00:51. > :00:55.is really hurting the Brits at the moment is they are only two from 11

:00:56. > :01:02.when they are down on second serve. Only winning 18% of the points, and

:01:03. > :01:06.in contrast the France team are getting 60% of their second serves.

:01:07. > :01:11.The French are really doing well on return serves in. They are making

:01:12. > :01:17.sure they are getting their return of serve in and putting the pressure

:01:18. > :01:21.back on to the server. In a beginning, I thought the French team

:01:22. > :01:30.was not settling very well. Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett had a chance.

:01:31. > :01:34.But they have reversed it. He was the danger man, studying the ship

:01:35. > :01:41.and taking the leadership in that partnership, the 45-year-old

:01:42. > :01:45.Parisian. Houdet, a man of vast experience, by far the most

:01:46. > :01:50.decorated player on court today. And multiple winner of Wimbledon titles.

:01:51. > :01:59.Three times a doubles champion, Houdet. Once alongside his partner

:02:00. > :02:03.Peifer. They have done it before and that bodes well coming into this. It

:02:04. > :02:08.is all about the experiences at Wimbledon that make it so important.

:02:09. > :02:13.Alfie Hewett has not been the shrinking violet that he might have

:02:14. > :02:17.been. He has stood up and acquitted himself admirably, which is

:02:18. > :02:21.commendable. And he is showing no nerves, which is great and I don't

:02:22. > :02:31.know how he does that. I have played in some big finals and at some point

:02:32. > :02:35.the nerves get you. It is great. Alfie is going to go on from this

:02:36. > :02:39.and he is going to have a massive future in front of him, and Gordon

:02:40. > :02:44.as well. He has had some massive results this year. This is Peter

:02:45. > :02:51.Norfolk OBE and it is terrific to have him along. At the top of our

:02:52. > :02:55.picture, the hustle and bustle of the gangways on this terrific day,

:02:56. > :03:02.the final Saturday. The Women's Singles final day. Our attention is

:03:03. > :03:07.on this gentleman's wheelchair doubles. Gordon Reid getting us

:03:08. > :03:27.under way in set two having lost the opening set for- six. -- 4-6. Can

:03:28. > :03:28.they turn this final round? Gordon Reid, the left-hander from Glasgow

:03:29. > :04:11.to resume. That is where the traffic has got to

:04:12. > :04:17.go on this man. Peifer is a very strong player but he can blow hot

:04:18. > :04:45.and cold. Former junior world number one, back in 2007.

:04:46. > :04:51.Good leave. Houdet looking menacing throughout that point and taking

:04:52. > :04:58.ownership but in the end to no avail. The British team you need to

:04:59. > :05:02.direct their traffic away from Houdet. He is far too dominant at

:05:03. > :05:16.the moment. Glorious from Alfie Hewett!

:05:17. > :05:23.Wonderful chair control. Reversing. Flashing forehand. Fabulous play. We

:05:24. > :05:26.have said that a lot. He has produced some sparkling tennis. He

:05:27. > :05:27.is going to be the man on court, I think, who can take it away from

:05:28. > :05:37.Houdet. Have some of that! That will get the

:05:38. > :05:59.crowd going. Good boy. That was a terrific game from the

:06:00. > :06:04.second seeds. The umpire, Martin Etheridge, we have not said hello to

:06:05. > :06:10.him for a while, but the crowd is getting very excited. There he is. I

:06:11. > :06:16.was chatting to him this morning as I was sitting there. Saying how

:06:17. > :06:27.enjoyable it is to do the wheelchair because everyone smiles more and

:06:28. > :06:32.there is more, -- more camaraderie. Still want to win, mind! The

:06:33. > :06:36.athletes are so inviting. They really want to promote their sport.

:06:37. > :06:41.We have done several commentary gigs together, and it is just a lovely

:06:42. > :07:08.place to hang out. Terrific to see these guys enjoying the tennis.

:07:09. > :07:17.In keeping with the opening set, this team went 3-1 up, but there is

:07:18. > :07:20.a different feel about the match now with the French one set to the good

:07:21. > :07:43.and hitting the ball beautifully and combining very well as a team.

:07:44. > :07:49.Houdet with a menacing net presence again, just taking time and space

:07:50. > :07:53.away from Gordon Reid on that occasion. One of the big features of

:07:54. > :07:57.this, it is all about the back behind as well. If you can get

:07:58. > :08:00.someone off the court and then hit the ball back behind where they

:08:01. > :08:06.were, it is tough to swivel the chair around on its axis, especially

:08:07. > :08:07.on this surface. But they are wonderful athletes with fabulous

:08:08. > :08:25.wheelchair control. The chairs are liked with titanium

:08:26. > :08:28.fibre, or in Houdet's case, carbon fibre, and they are each specific to

:08:29. > :08:35.the athlete, built to their own specification.

:08:36. > :08:43.Alfie saw Houdet coming in and saw the gap behind him. Flashed the

:08:44. > :08:51.backhand. Brilliant play and good vision. You feel the French plodding

:08:52. > :08:52.along methodically. Not quite as flamboyant at the moment but ever

:08:53. > :09:12.solid throughout. The French hold on and square the

:09:13. > :09:22.second set. We are approaching the hour mark. It will be Alfie Hewett

:09:23. > :10:13.to serve into the sunshine. Brilliant point again. Really long

:10:14. > :10:20.rally and you can see one of the features of it, when a player moves

:10:21. > :10:23.up to volley, and don't get involved, they have to back wheel

:10:24. > :10:27.immediately and nearly put the chair in reverse to get back to the

:10:28. > :10:34.baseline. And they have got to cover. They can't release a gap,

:10:35. > :10:44.create a gap. The other team will exploit it. He has just missed it. I

:10:45. > :10:51.love the way Peifer is facing the back fence, turned and does that

:10:52. > :10:55.reverse backhand, flicking with his wrist. Such strong wrists, and I

:10:56. > :10:58.sometimes think he doesn't know how strong and he hits long. You don't

:10:59. > :11:08.know where he is going to hit it, and that is the problem. Talented

:11:09. > :11:19.athlete, no doubt. Alfie went for the first serve.

:11:20. > :11:35.Terrific second serve ace. Cool, calm and collected. You are a coach,

:11:36. > :11:41.Paul, teach that. Lovely reach, coming round the side of the ball.

:11:42. > :11:45.The accuracy for me was paramount. Especially when you haven't got the

:11:46. > :11:50.height of somebody standing up. The court is the same size, the net is

:11:51. > :11:57.the same height, and there are no rule changes except for the second

:11:58. > :12:05.bounce, if you wish. Venting a bit of frustration there. Locked in at

:12:06. > :12:08.30-30 and you feel this is an important service game for Alfie

:12:09. > :12:12.Hewett, who has been denied once already, losing his serve in the

:12:13. > :12:14.early stages of the opening set. He needs to hold on if they are to take

:12:15. > :12:33.this further. Terrific volley. Just when we

:12:34. > :12:39.thought it was going to spill long, it caught the line. You can see on

:12:40. > :12:48.his face that he thinks so, too. I was going to say that he overcooked

:12:49. > :12:53.it but it dropped. Concord 17, you are sandwiched between Court Number

:12:54. > :12:56.One and Centre Court, but there is quality tennis on offer. -- court

:12:57. > :13:39.number 17. Brilliant from Alfie Hewett and

:13:40. > :13:47.Gordon Reid. A terrific point. For British fans, the idyllic end to

:13:48. > :13:53.that game. Hewett holds on and leads to- one in the second set. While I

:13:54. > :13:59.was breaking out into laughter, my co-commentator Peter Norfolk and I

:14:00. > :14:03.were gesturing wildly midpoint, as if we were playing the point for

:14:04. > :14:09.them! Pete was showing how we should hit an overhead. I thought it was

:14:10. > :14:14.going overhead. It was a full-blooded drive volley with top

:14:15. > :14:20.on it. Taking no prisoners. One of the hardest shots but Alfie has no

:14:21. > :14:25.fear. I am taking it! Brilliant play and really impressive. And more

:14:26. > :14:29.importantly, great to see them smiling and having fun. That is why

:14:30. > :14:36.we come to sport at the end of the day. Such a good advert for tennis.

:14:37. > :14:41.Dear oh dear, that has made me smile a lot. You are twitching all over

:14:42. > :14:47.the place and I think I am going to get elbowed. There is one of the

:14:48. > :14:54.watering holes around SW19. Glorious day, sunshine out, final Saturday as

:14:55. > :15:02.we head past the area on the edge of Centre Court. Boston ivy clad walls

:15:03. > :15:09.simmering in the breeze. The non-ticket holders entrance to the

:15:10. > :15:12.left and the museum if you fancy an amble around and a return to

:15:13. > :15:17.nostalgia and the players of yesteryear. Houdet setting up,

:15:18. > :15:29.trailing 1-2 in the second set. A cheeky return. Really hard to dig

:15:30. > :15:35.them out of the ground when they creep over the net and the ball is

:15:36. > :15:39.not bouncing very high. Very difficult feat. You have the

:15:40. > :15:42.chair in the way and if the ball hits the chair, you lose the point

:15:43. > :15:52.too because the chair's considered part of the body.

:15:53. > :16:01.One of the compelling features of this match is that both teams have

:16:02. > :16:05.brought their A-game simultaneously so it's made for some extraordinary

:16:06. > :16:15.rallies. Oh! His partner there... A quick

:16:16. > :16:41.duck and take evasive action. Oh! Clean winner down the middle of

:16:42. > :16:48.the French team and to the frustration of Houdet, who let out a

:16:49. > :16:53.roar. Two break points for Hewett and Reid here.

:16:54. > :16:57.That's a really piercing first serve, right through the line of the

:16:58. > :17:04.service box. Heavy serve at about 80mph. Second

:17:05. > :17:09.break point opportunity. Taking his time, Gordon Reid.

:17:10. > :17:17.That action with the arched back from Houdet.

:17:18. > :17:20.He yields on his own serve for the first time in the match to the

:17:21. > :17:34.delight of the British fans. Now this is where they lost their

:17:35. > :17:40.way. Gordon Reid desperate to hold on and

:17:41. > :17:43.consolidate here. A break is not a break until you hold. Absolutely

:17:44. > :17:53.right. Brilliance from Alfie Hewett at the

:17:54. > :17:57.net there. You have to say they've really

:17:58. > :17:58.complemented each other very well, as have the French, to be fair. And

:17:59. > :18:30.impartial, obviously. Yes! He's made it. From our camera

:18:31. > :18:54.angle I thought it was wide. Didn't see a gesture or arm out from

:18:55. > :19:03.the line judge the other end. I think they called it out. 15-15.

:19:04. > :19:10.Unlucky. A good push, as well. Keep the chair moving. Alfie is

:19:11. > :19:17.Just got to keep the head still there. He got a little excited.

:19:18. > :19:23.Yeah, you coach that. It's the same thing, keep your head still but

:19:24. > :19:24.swing through. Low to high. Still head, still eyes, good contact

:19:25. > :19:39.point. Straining every sinew, Gordon Reid,

:19:40. > :19:46.the server. Lost his racquet in doing so. Can't fault them for lack

:19:47. > :19:52.of trying. It's the slowest part of the court there, it's harder to push

:19:53. > :19:55.through that greener stuff. It's faster where it's browner because

:19:56. > :20:34.it's harder. Houdet ever the danger man on the

:20:35. > :20:42.French team just missing the backhand volley.

:20:43. > :20:49.Going with the pitch wedge there. If we could get the crowd a bit more

:20:50. > :20:53.involved, Gordon and Alfie, that would really get them going. Give

:20:54. > :21:03.them some momentum. Two consecutive points then for

:21:04. > :21:26.Hewett and Reid. A big game this in the overall

:21:27. > :21:33.context of this gentlemen's wheelchair doubles final.

:21:34. > :21:40.That was close. So, the lines judge got the scowl there and just

:21:41. > :21:44.checking with the umpire. He gestured yes the call was correct.

:21:45. > :21:50.The French settle down. So, two break points against them to a game

:21:51. > :21:55.point for them. Gordon Reid.

:21:56. > :22:03.Well, no prizes for guessing who held serve there.

:22:04. > :22:21.The second seeds... Getting 4-1 gives them a little

:22:22. > :22:23.breathing space but they can't relax because Houdet and Peifer are

:22:24. > :22:29.fighters, they're not going to give up. Absolutely. They're so heralded

:22:30. > :22:34.and so many titles. It's the last thing they'll be thinking of is

:22:35. > :22:41.conceding and having their tummies tickled. They're ranked two and

:22:42. > :22:45.three, so very solid doubles players. Houdet is the current

:22:46. > :22:51.number one in singles, as well. You feel a long way to go in this set

:22:52. > :22:55.even. There's been a few shocks I think here this week in the

:22:56. > :22:59.tournament. So, it hasn't actually been all easy plain sailing for

:23:00. > :23:05.people like Houdet. He has had a bit of a big loss actually to be fair

:23:06. > :23:14.yesterday. Losing yesterday 6-3 in the deciding set. But was that

:23:15. > :23:20.Houdet losing it or did Olson exceed himself? I think Houdet is very

:23:21. > :23:24.level. He rarely drops below a consistent level. I think it was

:23:25. > :23:30.more about Olson being on fire. Absolutely on fire. He is brilliant

:23:31. > :23:35.to watch when he is like that. Nicolas Peifer then.

:23:36. > :23:56.Trailing 1-4 but a set up here. They have to be positive, that's

:23:57. > :23:57.what's got them there. But it's all about tempered

:23:58. > :24:42.aggression. Wow, another long rally going the

:24:43. > :24:55.favour of the British team. Doesn't like that, does he, Houdet?

:24:56. > :24:57.He is getting a bit tetchy. Maybe miscommunication, maybe he is

:24:58. > :25:00.uncomfortable. The chair is different to any other on the

:25:01. > :25:06.circuit. Nothing uncomfortable about that backhand. He got it down to the

:25:07. > :25:08.wheels of Alfie really effectively. He has been a giant force in this

:25:09. > :25:37.match, this man. Unable quite to get there, Nicolas

:25:38. > :25:48.Peifer. Gordon Reid is the only left-hander on the court.

:25:49. > :25:57.That was gorgeous! Second serve ace.

:25:58. > :26:08.Quite outstanding. Thunderous return from Gordon Reid.

:26:09. > :26:21.Brilliant. Rolled into the court and took the

:26:22. > :26:41.ball on the rise. Really nice forehand.

:26:42. > :26:54.That's a terrific volley from Peifer. A partisan crowd, mainly

:26:55. > :27:01.British. Alfie really needed - peifer was coming in and it gave him

:27:02. > :27:20.a strong easy volley. Didn't give Gordon any chance.

:27:21. > :27:26.That's a wonderful angle from Hewett. Good court position, getting

:27:27. > :27:29.up closer to the net. Able to generate more angle from there. He

:27:30. > :27:33.is moving forward, rolling in and taking the ball. I have been

:27:34. > :27:38.impressed with this player. Mentally he has held it together so well on

:27:39. > :27:54.this grand occasion. Fist pumps from Alfie Hewett. He is

:27:55. > :27:59.fired up. It's given the second seeds a break point opportunity here

:28:00. > :28:05.then for a 5-1 lead in this must-win set as far as their concerned.

:28:06. > :28:10.Got it. Forehand winner from the lefty, Gordon Reid!

:28:11. > :28:14.Delight from the crowd in response around court 17.

:28:15. > :28:20.Everyone is really fired up. It's such a watchable match this

:28:21. > :28:26.one. A game away then from squaring us up

:28:27. > :28:28.at a set all here. Not much communication between the

:28:29. > :28:32.French players at the moment. It's all gone quiet back there.

:28:33. > :28:35.But they are a set up. I think they're a bit stumped about what's

:28:36. > :28:42.going on. The British pair have got the energy going and the adrenalin

:28:43. > :28:51.going. The French pair are not sure what to do. They've got the football

:28:52. > :29:38.final to go to of the Euros! Alfie Hewett serving for the set.

:29:39. > :29:44.Gordon was just rolling backwards there. Very hard to just try and

:29:45. > :30:27.poke the ball back over the net. Good body jamming serve there.

:30:28. > :30:30.Couldn't release the racquet head with that return.

:30:31. > :30:47.A huge moment this. Oh! He has overcooked it. An

:30:48. > :30:55.absolute sitter and he knows it. Disbelief etched all over his face.

:30:56. > :30:59.He has to flush that point away. Doesn't want it contaminating this

:31:00. > :31:12.point. Oh, that's brilliant from Gordon

:31:13. > :31:42.Reid! Timely brilliance at that. After an hour and 17 minutes, set

:31:43. > :32:10.point to square this match. A swing and a miss. He clipped his

:32:11. > :32:16.wheel on the way through. You could hear that. It's took his name off.

:32:17. > :32:24.It happens sometimes, when the cherries not in the right position.

:32:25. > :32:27.-- it took his aim off which happens when the chair is not in the right

:32:28. > :33:01.position. Second set point opportunity for

:33:02. > :33:02.Hewett and Reid. Just taking his time. Doesn't want to rush this big

:33:03. > :33:32.moment. What they wade to clinch the set

:33:33. > :33:36.after 33 minutes! One hour and 19 played overall and they snatch the

:33:37. > :33:43.second set 6-1, and they are taking as the distance in the wheelchair

:33:44. > :33:48.doubles final. Wonderful nerves. Fantastic by Alfie Hewett. The

:33:49. > :33:55.youngest player on court. How about that for a second serve ace to take

:33:56. > :34:00.the set? Very courageous. Look at the serving quality from both teams.

:34:01. > :34:07.Returns in and good statistics as well but it is the all-important

:34:08. > :34:12.break points for the British duo, two from three compared to none from

:34:13. > :34:15.three for the French. They will be frustrated and they have got to

:34:16. > :34:21.regroup and get themselves together. And looking at the point won, an

:34:22. > :34:26.emphatic performance from Hewett and Reid. They are really in this fight

:34:27. > :34:32.now. All to play for and we are going to be treated to a deciding

:34:33. > :34:37.set. This is how set two finished, with this kick-serve by Alfie

:34:38. > :34:44.Hewett. The light etched all over their faces as a consequence. --

:34:45. > :34:53.delight. We have a real scrap Concord 17 and all to play for. --

:34:54. > :35:08.on court 17. The coveted Wimbledon title. A couple of players wheeled

:35:09. > :35:15.off, changing chairs, toilet break. Peifer going to re-grip because he

:35:16. > :35:19.has time. Breezy out there. Beautiful playing conditions, not

:35:20. > :35:28.too much wind, just nice. We have had sunshine for the majority of the

:35:29. > :35:32.match. A colourful affair. A lovely warm day for sunglasses and floppy

:35:33. > :35:57.hats. Sunscreen of course. Everybody is having a good time at

:35:58. > :36:01.court 17. Coaches, players' camps. And that is where we are. Court

:36:02. > :36:09.Number One at the top of our picture. Really swirly. Centre Court

:36:10. > :36:14.behind us. Three matches on court at the moment. Number three, the ladies

:36:15. > :36:20.Invitational doubles, the round-robin event. Us on 17 and 18

:36:21. > :36:31.as well, the show court just further on up. That is a senior Invitational

:36:32. > :36:39.doubles round as well. McEnroe against Woodbridge and Woodford.

:36:40. > :36:53.Some bright tops on display, that is the shore. That is Alison. Alison

:36:54. > :37:05.Rodger stick, I am told, Gordon's mother. That is a funky traffic cone

:37:06. > :37:11.hat. -- Alison Reid. That hat will get attention! Everybody is

:37:12. > :37:14.desperate to grab a seat here. It is a packed house. It has been a

:37:15. > :37:21.compelling and intriguing match with so much yet to unfold. People three

:37:22. > :37:29.or four deep, clamouring to get a glimpse of this one. We are waiting

:37:30. > :37:36.for Gordon Reid and Houdet to come back from the toilet and then we can

:37:37. > :37:40.resume. Don't go anywhere. Alfie Hewett has really played his part.

:37:41. > :37:44.He has done commendably well. We wondered coming into this if he

:37:45. > :37:49.might shrink down and be overwhelmed by the sense of occasion. He is only

:37:50. > :37:52.19 years old, from Norwich, and this is his first-ever Grand Slam final

:37:53. > :37:59.that he has acquitted himself so well. A bit of band work to stretch

:38:00. > :38:04.himself out. Because the upper body is so dominant in wheelchair tennis,

:38:05. > :38:07.these guys are very strong and flexible above the shoulders, and

:38:08. > :38:15.nobody more so than the man sitting next to me, Peter Norfolk OBE. He

:38:16. > :38:20.has won so much and is so celebrated. A long time ago!

:38:21. > :38:26.Nevertheless, it is really commendable. You can see why he is

:38:27. > :38:30.doing that band work, because the power is upfront, forward motion,

:38:31. > :38:38.and so a lot of the exercises now our band work for the back of the

:38:39. > :38:45.shoulders. And they have got to reverse furiously as well. Much more

:38:46. > :38:52.band work and stretching. Sports science. If you don't work the back

:38:53. > :38:56.of the shoulder, you get in balance. You can see Peifer stretching out

:38:57. > :39:00.the front of his shoulder. You have got to balance its otherwise you get

:39:01. > :39:04.repeated cover issues. There is somebody we know in blue, Clare

:39:05. > :39:14.Balding. She loves her tennis. A huge supporter of wheelchair tennis.

:39:15. > :39:17.And another person when we were doing the wheelchair masters at

:39:18. > :39:24.Stratford was Lorraine Kelly, another good ambassador, the

:39:25. > :39:29.television presenter. She was in the house watching quite a bit. Big

:39:30. > :39:35.supporter of Gordon especially. He has a good following. Friends of

:39:36. > :39:41.Andy Murray, who likes watching his matches as well. Maybe he is glued

:39:42. > :39:46.into this as well. The wheelchair tennis tour consists of 160

:39:47. > :39:53.tournaments in 40 countries, covering all parts of the world. The

:39:54. > :39:56.total prize money is $2 million. A couple of million bucks is good.

:39:57. > :40:01.That is why we want to get these youngsters in. Anyone can play

:40:02. > :40:07.wheelchair tennis, any disability. It originated in 1992 with only 11

:40:08. > :40:13.international tournaments in 13 countries, so it has really grown. I

:40:14. > :40:19.remember those tournaments! You were one of the pioneers! Brad Parkes was

:40:20. > :40:27.rewarded at the French Open recently. Yes, one of these guys

:40:28. > :40:34.that helped to start the foundation of British and world tennis. He

:40:35. > :40:41.thought he could play tennis, why not? Look where we are today. The

:40:42. > :40:50.tour is divided into multiple grades. Futures up to the four Grand

:40:51. > :40:56.Slams and a super series as well. Coming up in the next couple of

:40:57. > :41:02.weeks, Nottingham, the British Open. Most of the British athletes are

:41:03. > :41:09.lottery funded by UK Sport. Absolutely and very grateful the

:41:10. > :41:12.athletes are and I was as well. Without it you cannot afford to do

:41:13. > :41:21.the sport because it is hugely expensive, from the chairs to the

:41:22. > :41:27.travel and the entry fees. Every two weeks out of every four you are way

:41:28. > :41:32.and it is a punishing schedule. I hope particularly for these top

:41:33. > :41:36.guys, who did Roland Garros on clay a couple of weeks ago, now playing

:41:37. > :41:41.on grass in singles and doubles for the first time, it is a tough ask.

:41:42. > :41:45.They have ten days off and they get up to Nottingham to the hard court.

:41:46. > :41:48.All the players prefer the hard court because the chairs are faster

:41:49. > :41:55.and they spin quicker and it is easier for the limbs. After that, we

:41:56. > :42:01.are into Paralympic gear, and we have got Rio, the big one. Gordon

:42:02. > :42:09.Reid and Alfie are really pairing up to try and do something in Rio. They

:42:10. > :42:15.have a fabulous chance. We must mention the tennis foundation who

:42:16. > :42:15.underpin all of the structure and organisation of disability tennis.

:42:16. > :42:28.They have been terrific. Keeping control of what is going on.

:42:29. > :42:37.We are ready to resume here. Bathroom breaks have been had.

:42:38. > :42:45.Gordon Reid and Houdet back on court 17 ready for the third set, the

:42:46. > :42:53.climatic set, ready to unfold. It will be Houdet to serve. A one set

:42:54. > :43:15.shoot out now. The gentlemen's wheelchair doubles title.

:43:16. > :43:25.Lovely return by Alfie Hewett of Houdet's second serve. Not really

:43:26. > :43:27.much on that second serve from Houdet and Alfie just rolled in,

:43:28. > :44:09.past the baseline, sent it away. Having had such a long bathroom

:44:10. > :44:12.break, obviously it takes a while to get down and back in wheelchairs,

:44:13. > :44:20.but it breaks up the rhythm of the match and it will be interesting to

:44:21. > :44:22.see who will resume faster. I think you are absolutely right and

:44:23. > :44:28.sometimes you have got to take it with a pinch of salt. If you have

:44:29. > :44:31.momentum, should you take the bathroom break? You might have no

:44:32. > :44:43.choice! That is a discussion we often have

:44:44. > :44:46.with coaches. You have momentum, you are doing well, you have clinched

:44:47. > :44:54.it, you have irritated the other team, so keep going as long as

:44:55. > :44:57.possible. It is all about momentum of course and the French are

:44:58. > :44:58.desperate to pierce the momentum bubble that the British duo have

:44:59. > :45:23.built. Good ownership from Peifer. Cunning

:45:24. > :45:34.forehand. They are in front. The first time in either set.

:45:35. > :45:40.Houdet was trying to impose himself and say I am here, you are going to

:45:41. > :45:47.have to pass me. That's what he is good at. He is very good at showing

:45:48. > :45:51.his confidence and his composure and persona on the court. He is a big

:45:52. > :45:54.lad, as well. Has a real stage presence, both of them. They're

:45:55. > :46:02.menacing. They have the opening game in this deciding set.

:46:03. > :46:14.Alfie Hewett to get the British campaign under way in set three.

:46:15. > :46:27.OK, no nerves there. That's what he finished with at the back end of

:46:28. > :46:35.that second set. He is really fitting form. That's what he is

:46:36. > :46:42.doing. -- he is really hitting form. That's what he is doing back to

:46:43. > :46:46.Houdet. Admirable courage. Another thounderrous winner right

:46:47. > :46:52.down the middle. -- thunderous. That's great play. Great play.

:46:53. > :47:02.As the French pair split, Alfie saw the gap down there and blasted it

:47:03. > :47:10.down the middle. Good tennis. Oh! Have some of that!

:47:11. > :47:15.He is on a mission. He is the man! There we go.

:47:16. > :47:24.How about that back to the French pair? Back in your face. They're

:47:25. > :47:41.showing we are here. We are not relinquishing anything.

:47:42. > :47:51.Down the middle. A strong service hold there from the second seats. A

:47:52. > :47:56.real statement of intent. Giving the crowd something to cling

:47:57. > :48:06.on to, Peter. Absolutely. That bathroom break obviously did Alfie a

:48:07. > :48:30.lot of good. Nicolas Peifer to serve, 1-1.

:48:31. > :48:39.Cheeky monkey. What gorgeous hands from Gordy there.

:48:40. > :48:47.You can see Alfie and Gordon are crossing, they're pushing. The

:48:48. > :48:54.chair's moving now, they've got the adrenalin going. Wonderful response

:48:55. > :48:58.by skaf peifer, first serve ace, out wide. Really tough to do. Back to

:48:59. > :49:08.15-15. He looks composed. Scoreboard parity, set all, game

:49:09. > :49:35.all, 15-15. Nothing between them. It's also one of the tactics, it's

:49:36. > :49:44.good to come in and hit them soft. All these players like to hit strong

:49:45. > :49:58.and deep. They just... Lulled into a false sense of security there.

:49:59. > :50:07.Two break point opportunities then for Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid

:50:08. > :50:12.here. You can see Peifer's disgust. The

:50:13. > :50:16.ball changes direction further out. Does funny things. It's not as a

:50:17. > :50:22.nice bounce as it was down the middle. The lush area of the service

:50:23. > :50:28.box, it's a little faster. Well, he has been so commendably

:50:29. > :50:32.brave and effective throughout. How can we do him a disservice after

:50:33. > :51:08.missing that? Thunderous from Stephane Houdet.

:51:09. > :51:14.Whenever he gets the ball you can almost sense British fans wincing

:51:15. > :51:18.because he is so powerful. The British pair were splitting off to

:51:19. > :51:24.the trams because they thought Houdet would hit an off forehand. He

:51:25. > :51:33.didn't, it was straight back down the centre. Split them in half. Just

:51:34. > :51:36.called wide. I thought he had that. So, for break point against them to

:51:37. > :51:45.game points up. Showing real character here, the French team.

:51:46. > :51:52.Brilliant. Alfie Hewett again. Getting well up the court now, very

:51:53. > :51:57.effective at the net. Look at this. He hit a deep forehand and followed

:51:58. > :52:44.it in. Oh!

:52:45. > :52:47.Superb from Gordon Reid! Backhand thrashed down the middle of the

:52:48. > :52:52.court. Good switching. Crossing over

:52:53. > :52:55.behind. Covering it. You can see the British pair are covering each

:52:56. > :52:59.other. They're looking at the ball. Look, they're switching. Alfie came

:53:00. > :53:03.back behind Gordon to cover him and Gordon hit that fabulous winner down

:53:04. > :53:20.the middle. Third break point opportunity here.

:53:21. > :53:30.They got it. Listen to the reception!

:53:31. > :53:36.APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:53:37. > :53:42.You have to say that Alfie and Gordon are really pumped now.

:53:43. > :53:46.They're moving the chairs. They're switching, they're talking. They're

:53:47. > :53:50.everywhere at once. Going back and forward. If they're hit ago deep

:53:51. > :53:54.shot and pinning the French pair behind the baseline, like this,

:53:55. > :53:58.Alfie is moving in and coming in to try to take that volley out of the

:53:59. > :54:04.air to get a little dropped shot. He is so active. He is looking all the

:54:05. > :54:09.time. Fantastic, both of them. Compliments to the French, as well.

:54:10. > :54:17.It's been a well contested match in good spirit. It's been a terrific

:54:18. > :54:22.mesmerising long rallies. This is wheelchair doubles for you, this is

:54:23. > :54:26.full court power tennis. Lovely hand skills, as well, particularly from

:54:27. > :54:31.the British pair. Nice solve angles, dropped shots. Dropped volleys,

:54:32. > :54:35.drive volleys. Overheads, everything. It's fantastic. A great

:54:36. > :54:39.advert for the sport. This is what we have come out to see and where

:54:40. > :54:43.best to see it, on the grass at Wimbledon? Maybe next year we will

:54:44. > :54:46.perhaps - don't forget these guys haven't had a lead-up grass court

:54:47. > :54:51.tournament. This is pretty spectacular, to be fair. Absolutely.

:54:52. > :54:55.There is no grass season as much, it's something the tennis foundation

:54:56. > :55:01.are working on and want more tournaments on to give these guys

:55:02. > :55:05.more of a chance of getting more rhythm. They might have to set the

:55:06. > :55:10.chairs up differently as well for the grass. Each surface does require

:55:11. > :55:12.different tuning. Gordon Reid serving with the break of serve. 2-1

:55:13. > :55:46.in the deciding set. Brilliant. Don't they combine well,

:55:47. > :55:50.power, subtly. It's all in there. Absolutely. Watch this. Alfie knows

:55:51. > :55:54.he is in a great shot. He is going to follow it in and finish off with

:55:55. > :56:05.a little dropped shot. Houdet is sat behind the baseline waiting.

:56:06. > :56:13.Houdet's got it! That was a fabulous get from

:56:14. > :56:21.Stephane Houdet there. Almost wrenched himself out of the chair in

:56:22. > :56:30.doing so. With that chair he has a huge reach.

:56:31. > :56:36.It's increased his stretch. It's a real investment. Paid a lot for it.

:56:37. > :56:41.What a backhand volley there! You can't take your eyes off this for a

:56:42. > :56:48.minute! Alfie just went I am having that!

:56:49. > :56:53.He is all over the place. Look at this for a return. Watch Alfie at

:56:54. > :56:54.the top of the picture. He is very busy.

:56:55. > :57:08.He is trying to put the French off. So much confidence.

:57:09. > :57:13.You can see the ploy they're working on trying to distrablt and confuse

:57:14. > :57:14.the French team. This is a team they've never beaten

:57:15. > :57:26.before, as well. Both matches earlier this year in

:57:27. > :57:30.Sydney international Open in January, they lost in the tie-break

:57:31. > :57:34.third set. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, in April, as well in

:57:35. > :57:39.Johannesburg, South Africa. Again on a hard court. 6-4, 6-4 so this would

:57:40. > :57:50.be a momentous result if they can get across the finish line.

:57:51. > :58:02.Houdet took that off ska Peifer's racquet. -- Peifer's racquet Left a

:58:03. > :58:05.gap there, what is going on? Nerves playing their part even for this

:58:06. > :58:12.man. He has been a menace throughout. Almost overtrying.

:58:13. > :58:19.I think he was trying to protect Peifer there. So the French with a

:58:20. > :58:24.break back opportunity having succumbed on their serve recently,

:58:25. > :58:27.an opportunity to regroup here and trying to really generate some

:58:28. > :59:03.positivity between them. You can see Gordon and Alfie are

:59:04. > :59:08.crossing and covering each other. They're trying to reduce those gaps.

:59:09. > :59:12.One is going back behind and covering. The French aren't really

:59:13. > :59:17.doing that at the moment. . Such energy from the players at the

:59:18. > :59:23.top of the picture, in particular, the British players really moving

:59:24. > :59:27.the chairs around. Fabulous from Alfie Hewett!

:59:28. > :59:32.The youngest player on court. A ball of energy.

:59:33. > :59:41.Having fended off a couple of break points against them now they have an

:59:42. > :59:45.opportunity to consolidate. That slid off the court from Gordon

:59:46. > :59:54.Reid. Delight from the fans around court 17.

:59:55. > :59:57.3-1 they lead. That's what they want, sometimes

:59:58. > :00:00.it's spin and sometimes it's more effective than the pace. All these

:00:01. > :00:05.players can play with a lot of pace but when the ball spins,

:00:06. > :00:22.particularly on the grass, it can do some odd things.

:00:23. > :00:26.That's powerful from Houdet crunching through that forehand

:00:27. > :00:30.there. Good control by Houdet. Now it's at this stage you look for

:00:31. > :00:32.this man to probably step up and take real ownership out here.

:00:33. > :00:39.The most experienced man on court. That is wonderful. Great combination

:00:40. > :01:04.of shots from the French duo. Very strong statement of intent from

:01:05. > :01:09.Houdet and his partner Peifer. Love service hold does their confidence a

:01:10. > :01:21.world of good. That was indeed an ace. Houdet holds to love. So they

:01:22. > :01:27.stay in touch here. That menacing presence in this set. But Reid and

:01:28. > :01:35.Hewett have still got the break of serve. Can they hold on is the

:01:36. > :01:37.question on everyone's lips. The momentum is with Gordon Reid and

:01:38. > :01:44.Alfie Hewett, even though Houdet just took his service game to love.

:01:45. > :01:49.It will be piling on the pressure. It is certainly going to be who can

:01:50. > :01:54.hold their nerve the most? I don't think they want to go there in their

:01:55. > :02:03.mind. They need to head towards each .1 at a time, and not to get ahead

:02:04. > :02:11.of themselves. -- toward each point one at a time. Gordon and Alfie are

:02:12. > :02:16.going to the super series in Nottingham and then the big one is

:02:17. > :02:23.next, Rio, where everybody wants to win a gold medal. The gathered crowd

:02:24. > :02:28.on Henman Hill. Everybody waving. Fabulous exposure for wheelchair

:02:29. > :02:34.tennis. They can fit 7000 people onto the hill, I am told. What a

:02:35. > :02:43.spectacle this is. Top tennis from the wheelies. Alfie Hewett, 3-2 up,

:02:44. > :03:08.serving with the break of serve in the deciding set.

:03:09. > :03:16.Another effective foray into the net by Alfie Hewett. He is still

:03:17. > :03:24.smiling. He is feeling really comfortable. At such a young age,

:03:25. > :03:31.oozing confidence. Wallowing in the moment, the youngest man on court.

:03:32. > :03:46.Golly. Just dispatched dismissively from Houdet. Who are you? This is

:03:47. > :04:31.what I am going to do. Bang! He is the prime villain on this court.

:04:32. > :04:43.That is a sublime finish from Houdet! Two winners in consecutive

:04:44. > :04:48.points. The most decorated French player. Just ripped it through the

:04:49. > :04:53.tramline. Fabulous point and fabulous finish by Houdet. Alfie was

:04:54. > :04:58.waiting for a volley and Houdet said you are not getting a volley. I am

:04:59. > :05:07.hitting a winner. Dangerous times for Hewett and Reid.

:05:08. > :05:22.Houdet is really trying to impose himself but the youngest man, Alfie

:05:23. > :05:27.Hewett, is saying to him, no, I am still here and I am not going away.

:05:28. > :05:37.Winner for winner. Fronting up when his back is against the wall.

:05:38. > :05:44.Telling first serve, showing spirited and brave tennis.

:05:45. > :05:52.From break point against him to game point up.

:05:53. > :06:04.Body serve from the top drawer for Alfie Hewett! They consolidate their

:06:05. > :06:11.lead. 4-2 ahead. Nice position to be in.

:06:12. > :06:21.This is more than they could have hoped for. If they can elicit a

:06:22. > :06:24.break here... Double break insurance would surely prove terminal. It is

:06:25. > :06:46.all about the first point, so important.

:06:47. > :06:57.Long. Houdet missed his lob over the top of Hewett. Sailed past the

:06:58. > :07:05.baseline. Don't direct your traffic towards Houdet at this stage. So

:07:06. > :07:52.long in the tooth as far as these big moments are concerned.

:07:53. > :08:22.Over pressed on the last forehand. But what a rally.

:08:23. > :08:29.I am just chuckling here. Just strolling after the return of serve,

:08:30. > :08:30.forehand straight down the tramlines. That is what you do in

:08:31. > :08:53.practice. Incredible. A complete celebration

:08:54. > :09:02.of his mental fortitude. Alfie Hewett! Playing some amazing tennis.

:09:03. > :09:06.This is the best tennis I think I have ever seen him play. To bring it

:09:07. > :09:29.out on the big stage when it really matters...

:09:30. > :09:36.Just overcooked that. One break point saved by the French. Second

:09:37. > :10:03.break point opportunity for a 5-2 lead the Hewett and Reid.

:10:04. > :10:19.Showing real character in the crunch. The British pair take

:10:20. > :10:25.control back from the French when they are aggressive. They mustn't

:10:26. > :10:32.get to defensive. That is aggressive.

:10:33. > :10:38.Well played. And that is what it does. A great return sets the point

:10:39. > :10:47.up and an easy dispatch for break point opportunity. Now they need to

:10:48. > :11:01.do it. Surely the 5-2 lead would be terminal for the French.

:11:02. > :11:10.And they have got the double break insurance! They lead 5-2 in the

:11:11. > :11:13.deciding set. They will come out after the change of ends and serve

:11:14. > :11:20.for the wheelchair doubles championships.

:11:21. > :11:25.Fantastic atmosphere. This is brilliant. The crowd are absolutely

:11:26. > :12:31.loving it. The atmosphere is right at the Max

:12:32. > :12:37.on court 17. Serving for The Championships, Gordon Reid, the

:12:38. > :12:55.lefty from Glasgow, aged 25. Can he put a lid on this match?

:12:56. > :13:06.Great forehand by Gordon. Took it out wide to Houdet and he couldn't

:13:07. > :13:22.reach it. He didn't get enough racket on the ball to scoop it back.

:13:23. > :13:29.Crosscourt forehand by Houdet and a timely one at that. He puts so much

:13:30. > :13:36.top-spin on from his racket. The bullocks like it is going to sail

:13:37. > :13:42.out and then drops in. -- the ball looks like.

:13:43. > :13:55.That is a retort for you! How about that from Alfie Hewett! Take a bow.

:13:56. > :14:08.Incredible backhand. The boy is on fire.

:14:09. > :14:33.Houdet again, the danger man. On in the big moments.

:14:34. > :15:03.Brilliant shot, fantastic from Houdet. The British team did nothing

:15:04. > :15:10.wrong but he has wrenched the reins of control back in this game

:15:11. > :15:35.admirably. It is always the hardest game to win. Serving for it.

:15:36. > :15:44.Well, a collective gasp from the crowd.

:15:45. > :15:49.They've just conceded the serve. So credit to the French team. It was a

:15:50. > :15:56.terrific return game from them. They now serve. I think that's Alfie

:15:57. > :16:00.Hewett has to learn sometimes, he doesn't need to swipe at it and give

:16:01. > :16:05.it such a great big swing. He could have done a nice volley, solid

:16:06. > :16:14.volley. But, the British pair are still 5-3 up.

:16:15. > :16:26.Stephane Houdet serving at 3-5. He struck it well. But unable to

:16:27. > :17:00.wriggle over. A few errors creeping in from Alfie

:17:01. > :17:07.and Gordon. They've got to try and cut those back out.

:17:08. > :17:21.It has gone long. A rare forehand error from the man with the cap.

:17:22. > :17:28.You can hear Houdet is putting more effort into it, exexpeling air when

:17:29. > :17:31.hitting the ball now. Look at that for a serve.

:17:32. > :17:51.Two game points then to reduce the deficit further here.

:17:52. > :17:59.Terrific dropped return of serve from Alfie Hewett.

:18:00. > :18:03.Just trying to fill his mind with positive images, you would imagine.

:18:04. > :18:07.Head towards the sun in his mind's eye metaphorically. As long as he is

:18:08. > :18:10.not looking at that golden trophy, it's too early yet. The finish line

:18:11. > :18:44.is a long way off yet. He went big. It's cost him.

:18:45. > :18:49.Is that his first double fault? I think it is. What a time to do it.

:18:50. > :18:59.Very uncharacteristic that. Goodness me! Well, he is human, thankfully.

:19:00. > :19:06.But normal service resumed. That was a terrific one from Stephane Houdet.

:19:07. > :19:27.Game point again then for the French.

:19:28. > :19:38.Houdet and Peifer hold on then. These two will have to really

:19:39. > :19:45.control their minds. 5-4 they lead in this deciding set here. They're

:19:46. > :19:51.going to serve for it. Again. They did at 5-2. It's the toughest game

:19:52. > :19:57.to win. It's all about managing your emotions, going one ball at a time.

:19:58. > :20:05.You can see Houdet there just tightening up his wheels on his

:20:06. > :20:10.chair. He has got the wheels, the special carbon fibre wings and

:20:11. > :20:15.they're allen keyed on to the chair. Every time he moves the chair moves

:20:16. > :20:19.with him, it's free flowing and fast and smooth. As it should be, very

:20:20. > :20:24.expensive product that one. Last time they serve for the match it was

:20:25. > :20:27.Gordon Reid, and they got to 30 on Gordon's serve but couldn't take it

:20:28. > :20:32.any further. This time, it will be the youngest

:20:33. > :20:37.man on court at 19 years of age on the right of the picture there,

:20:38. > :20:41.Alfie Hewett who has played so admirably throughout. Can he help

:20:42. > :20:45.get them across the finish line here?

:20:46. > :20:50.He hasn't showed any nerves yet. Wheel back to the baseline then.

:20:51. > :20:58.They'll be serving 5-4, in the deciding set here.

:20:59. > :21:50.A chance to make themselves a national hero.

:21:51. > :22:01.Brilliant from Hewett! Thrashed down the line dismissively.

:22:02. > :22:06.Rearing up beyond Nicolas Peifer there.

:22:07. > :22:25.Wonderful play by Hewett, taking control. One down, three to go.

:22:26. > :22:30.Good length from Peifer there. Plenty of height and lots of carry

:22:31. > :23:07.on that one. Thunderous return of serve from the

:23:08. > :23:12.forehand of Stephane Houdet, it's just been continuously menacing for

:23:13. > :23:18.the British players. Yeah, second serve, rolled in past the baseline.

:23:19. > :23:23.Took the ball on the first bounce and pommelled it.

:23:24. > :23:36.Just came up short. Nerves are coming in a bit. Two

:23:37. > :24:03.break back points then. Needs a big first serve here.

:24:04. > :24:11.A roar from the French. They're still very much afloat now. They've

:24:12. > :24:17.levelled up here. Squared the match at 5-5.

:24:18. > :24:22.Twice the Britons have served for it, twice they've been denied.

:24:23. > :24:34.In a way potentially the pressure has been taken off now. They know to

:24:35. > :24:37.consolidate this game. 5-5. Good composure by the French and again

:24:38. > :24:45.Houdet coming in strong when he was needed.

:24:46. > :24:51.Now it's a real test of their character. They need to show

:24:52. > :25:19.attitude and application at this stage.

:25:20. > :25:31.Oh, thunderous! A backhand drive volley. Smashed away. Watch this.

:25:32. > :25:38.Alfie keeps going in. Backhand drive volley. It police the French pair.

:25:39. > :25:45.Amazing tennis. -- it splits the French pair. Love it.

:25:46. > :25:51.This is good! They've got to get aggressive, get up the court. Keep

:25:52. > :25:55.looking to take the point to the French team. I think that's what it

:25:56. > :25:59.was in the last few games, when they were serving they became defensive.

:26:00. > :26:00.Became timid. Protecting their lead. They've gone back aggressive and

:26:01. > :26:25.it's working. You have to attack a second serve

:26:26. > :26:33.especially when it's 15-30. Deep breaths all round.

:26:34. > :26:48.Game point then for what would be four games in a row to the top

:26:49. > :27:09.seeds. Just misses the side line.

:27:10. > :27:40.He has been so frugal in error throughout this match.

:27:41. > :27:50.It's wide. APPLAUSE

:27:51. > :28:00.So, another break point opportunity here then for the second seeds.

:28:01. > :28:43.That would be very comforting. He has to attack this second serve.

:28:44. > :28:52.The suspense is overwhelming! It's unreal. What's going on? Fabulous

:28:53. > :28:59.wheelchair tennis. The highest order. The nerves! Jangling. Back to

:29:00. > :29:02.deuce we go for the second time in this game. The scoreboard symmetry

:29:03. > :29:36.again, nothing between them. They're all going a bit defensive.

:29:37. > :29:41.Directing the attack on to this man, rather than Houdet. Second break

:29:42. > :29:47.point opportunity for Reid and Hewett.

:29:48. > :29:52.OK. This would seal it. Roll in on the second serve and attack it.

:29:53. > :30:21.Batter it. That's amazing from Houdet. He had

:30:22. > :30:24.time on the ball there. He came around the side of that one with a

:30:25. > :30:29.wonderful angle. What they've done, he was able to

:30:30. > :30:33.have that angle because both pairs are sat so much further back now

:30:34. > :30:39.behind the baseline. They have to be because he is so powerful. They're

:30:40. > :30:47.also getting tentative. 1-1, 5-5, deuce.

:30:48. > :30:54.You have to compliment the French. They have been so solid mentally.

:30:55. > :31:02.They have been up against it, trailing 2-5 in this set. They have

:31:03. > :31:12.dug deep. They have a game point opportunity for a 6-5 lead.

:31:13. > :31:25.That was a late call. Did he call it? Very difficult for the umpire to

:31:26. > :31:27.overall on that far tram, so he has to go with the judge. Good overall

:31:28. > :32:06.for the British player. He has missed it. Listen to the

:32:07. > :32:12.roaring from the top seeds. They are delighted and they should be. Four

:32:13. > :32:15.games in a row for them. They have really got the momentum now. Twice

:32:16. > :32:24.the British teams served for the match. 5-2, Gordon Reid. 5-4, Alfie

:32:25. > :32:30.Hewett, unable to convert. Now, with their backs against the wall. They

:32:31. > :32:36.have fought well when they have been down and up against it and they have

:32:37. > :32:40.got to do so now. When Alfie Hewett is aggressive, they have taken

:32:41. > :32:45.momentum away from the French. They became very passive and they sat

:32:46. > :32:52.further back. It is easy to sit here and see what is going on. When you

:32:53. > :32:55.are on the court, it is very hard. When you have a prize as great as

:32:56. > :33:01.this at the end of it, it gets really nervous. But they are behind

:33:02. > :33:10.now. Nothing to lose. Get in there. Get aggressive. You have to credit

:33:11. > :33:12.the other team. Such spirited tennis in the last four games. The crowd

:33:13. > :33:17.are getting behind them. Two hours and 18 minutes played.

:33:18. > :33:46.Trailing 5-6 in the deciding set. Just what they don't want. You need

:33:47. > :34:41.a good service game here, good service hold.

:34:42. > :34:51.Brilliant from Gordon Reid! Nice, soft hands. The French were so deep

:34:52. > :35:01.in the point and that was a timely drop shot. Houdet was starting to

:35:02. > :35:05.boss the point. But he came into the service line and got it over. No

:35:06. > :35:15.matter how quick Houdet is, he couldn't have got it, even on two

:35:16. > :35:17.bouncers. That was wide. They needed an ace then. It was assured from the

:35:18. > :35:37.judge. Too quick. Needed to keep his head

:35:38. > :35:52.still over the ball. Snatched it a little, easy to do. Big moment.

:35:53. > :36:04.A collective sigh of relief as that one went along. -- long. Gordon put

:36:05. > :36:13.extra pace on that and it boxed Peifer and he didn't control it.

:36:14. > :36:22.Superb! Alfie Hewett! Where did that come from? There is that aggression.

:36:23. > :36:29.Here I am. Watch this. Fantastic. That is what we are after. Hasn't he

:36:30. > :36:59.risen to the occasion? Break point. Game point for a tie-break.

:37:00. > :37:11.They hold on and level up! Taking us to the deciding third set tie-break.

:37:12. > :37:21.That is a really strong game from the second seeds. When Alfie is

:37:22. > :37:23.aggressive, coming in, positive, he is taking the ball on. He is taking

:37:24. > :37:41.the French on. Just seen the singles and doubles

:37:42. > :37:52.players in the audience for the wheelchair ladies events.

:37:53. > :38:08.Called long. The first mini-break against the French team. Houdet

:38:09. > :38:16.gesturing how far to the umpire. Far enough is the answer.

:38:17. > :38:24.Can they find a way across the finish line here? They have served

:38:25. > :38:35.twice and been denied for the match. They have got to remain aggressive.

:38:36. > :38:45.Terrific second serve. Out wide to Peifer. Spin and speed. That is

:38:46. > :38:49.where they have got to direct their fire. He is looking like the

:38:50. > :39:25.weakling. Behind him, so tough to control.

:39:26. > :39:26.Mini-break back. He has been a bundle of energy throughout this

:39:27. > :39:34.match, commendably. Peifer to serve. The tie-breaker is

:39:35. > :40:01.a race to seven points. Nothing between them again on the

:40:02. > :40:09.scoreboard after nearly two and a half hours played. Alfie was sitting

:40:10. > :40:14.right back on the fence. Just top-spin it back in to give himself

:40:15. > :40:39.time and his opponent time to get settled into the point.

:40:40. > :40:51.Well played, Gordon Reid. Keeping the pressure on. Trying to keep

:40:52. > :40:57.Houdet out of the rally. Peifer has a really flicking backhand. Houdet

:40:58. > :41:05.is giving him encouragement. That punch on the shoulder is to say,

:41:06. > :41:11.come on, we are still in it. That is no way to respond, is it? Well, they

:41:12. > :41:20.are French! That is the way they do it. A well versed power. -- pair.

:41:21. > :41:26.Houdet knows how to get the best out of Peifer. What a response from

:41:27. > :41:41.Gordon Reid! Change of ends required. Now they are leading 4-2

:41:42. > :41:44.in list this deciding tie-break. Houdet is really remonstrating with

:41:45. > :41:50.Peifer. He doesn't want him to plateau. That happens sometimes, he

:41:51. > :41:56.goes stagnant. Houdet knows the way to get the best out of him. He needs

:41:57. > :42:00.to get his adrenaline going, otherwise he is flat. Houdet knows

:42:01. > :42:03.that because he has played with him a lot. The British player have

:42:04. > :42:13.really capitalised on their indecision. Beware the wounded bear.

:42:14. > :42:19.Houdet is certainly that right now. One more serving opportunity to

:42:20. > :42:48.extend their lead. Deciding set tie-break.

:42:49. > :42:56.The elbow? Very difficult. If we give it the benefit of the doubt, it

:42:57. > :43:03.was the breeze. Good first serve, Gordon. If he was serving but it is

:43:04. > :43:05.the French now. I have lost track of the score in my excitement! Houdet

:43:06. > :43:37.to serve. Two in a row for the top seeds.

:43:38. > :43:46.Again bringing parity to this tie-break.

:43:47. > :43:58.Houdet was trying for the slow, wide out swinger to take Alfie out.

:43:59. > :44:17.We can see what that meant to Houdet. He has been so solid

:44:18. > :44:26.throughout. A rare error giving a glimmer of light it at the 11th

:44:27. > :44:34.hour. Obviously a bit of wobble going on. Hewett and Reid just two

:44:35. > :44:54.points away from the title. That is brilliant from Alfie Hewett!

:44:55. > :45:00.A thunderous forehand. Now two championship points. You have got to

:45:01. > :45:05.say that is good tennis. Get your first serve in and follow it up with

:45:06. > :45:07.a great forehand. I like their reaction. They are positive. They

:45:08. > :45:45.are going for it. Well, he was positive. He had to go

:45:46. > :45:51.for it. We said that at the outset, Pete. Yeah. He got his seconds serve

:45:52. > :45:56.in deep. That was great. He went for it.

:45:57. > :45:57.So, one match point saved. Second championship point

:45:58. > :46:29.opportunity here. Two match points have come and gone.

:46:30. > :46:39.They'll need to change ends again. This tie-break, just over

:46:40. > :46:46.two-and-a-half hours on court now. In this tense deciding set.

:46:47. > :46:54.You can see in the previous - when they switched last time Houdet was

:46:55. > :46:58.remonstrating with Peifer. You can see it's worked. He knows how to get

:46:59. > :47:02.the best out of his partner. You can't split them, can you? No. It's

:47:03. > :47:05.been such a tense close deciding set.

:47:06. > :47:13.A real treat to be part of it, frankly.

:47:14. > :47:21.Good body language amongst the top seeds here. Nicolas Peifer. 6-6.

:47:22. > :47:30.This tie-break will be decided by two clear points.

:47:31. > :47:40.Got it! Brilliant from Alfie Hewett. It's like playing the lottery at

:47:41. > :47:46.this stage! He made up for his mistake in the previous point.

:47:47. > :47:52.Didn't he redeem himself. A short second serve and he came it and

:47:53. > :47:59.walloped it down and put pressure back on to the French. Now on that

:48:00. > :48:03.Gordon serve, is it? Yeah. Lefty. Is he going for the typical slider out

:48:04. > :48:07.wide? Got to. Let's see what he can muster here.

:48:08. > :48:13.Third championship point. He's got it!

:48:14. > :48:21.APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:48:22. > :48:28.Look at what it means to them. Don't break his back! Well done. Two

:48:29. > :48:34.hours, 34 minutes. The second seeds in Alfie Hewett and

:48:35. > :48:43.Gordon Reid have come through. APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:48:44. > :48:48.6-4, 1-6, 7-6. Celebrating Wimbledon's 10th anniversary of the

:48:49. > :48:52.gentlemen wheelchair doubles. Much deserved adulation.

:48:53. > :48:57.Look at what it means to Gordon's friends and family.

:48:58. > :49:05.I am as tired as them having watched that! Fantastic result. Glorious.

:49:06. > :49:20.Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett, take a bow.

:49:21. > :49:22.Amid Andy Murray euphoria there are two more British players etching

:49:23. > :49:31.their name in. The champions of 2016.

:49:32. > :49:36.Absolutely wonderful scenes. For Gordon and Alfie - he's got his

:49:37. > :49:40.wheels stuck. Gordon's coaches and tennis foundation coaches. Alfie's

:49:41. > :49:48.dad is there, as well. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. So proud for

:49:49. > :49:57.them. Wow, I think everybody around court 17 can finally take a deep

:49:58. > :50:01.breath. What a treat! Third championship point. It took

:50:02. > :50:04.over two half in ours to oust the top seeds. You have to pay credit to

:50:05. > :50:09.the men in the top of the picture, the French team.

:50:10. > :50:13.The match was played in such good spirit.

:50:14. > :50:18.You can never write them off, let's face it. They're exceptionally

:50:19. > :50:40.strong. We are just awaiting the

:50:41. > :50:46.presentation on court 17 now. There is the table all ready to go,

:50:47. > :50:49.just a chance to catch a breath after the highly dramatic match

:50:50. > :50:55.unfolding before our eyes. What a contest it was.

:50:56. > :50:58.This was how they did it. Gordon Reid served out wide. Look at that.

:50:59. > :51:04.It didn't come back. Look at their reaction!

:51:05. > :51:14.Brilliant moment for British tennis. Wonderful. It will be etched deep in

:51:15. > :51:21.our memories for a long time. Of course, Gordon is going to be in

:51:22. > :51:26.the wheelchair singles final tomorrow. Yeah, he is going to have

:51:27. > :51:33.to have a good rest this afternoon, I think. No celebrating yet for him

:51:34. > :51:36.tonight. He has got to prepare for potentially an even bigger, the

:51:37. > :51:43.singles, which is the premier trophy, not that the doubles isn't,

:51:44. > :51:48.but for the players, if Gordon - he would love to do the double, singles

:51:49. > :51:54.and doubles. Yeah. A chance to do the double. That's what it's all

:51:55. > :51:59.about for Gordon Reid tomorrow against Olsson. Do join us for that.

:52:00. > :52:02.We are awaiting the presentation. Just signed a couple of tennis

:52:03. > :52:10.balls. He is going to throw them in. Good boy. Good trophies for the

:52:11. > :52:12.crowd. Match balls. They were certainly firing on all cylinders at

:52:13. > :52:21.the 11th hour just when they needed to most.

:52:22. > :52:26.There is Geoff Newton in the grey suit.

:52:27. > :52:33.The presentation ceremony is just about to get under way.

:52:34. > :52:38.We are going to hear from our winners with Clare Balding.

:52:39. > :52:45.Ladies and gentlemen around court 17 we will have the trophy presentation

:52:46. > :52:48.in a moment. First of all, let us speak to the new gentlemen

:52:49. > :52:55.wheelchair doubles champions! Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett!

:52:56. > :52:58.The first ever British winners of this title.

:52:59. > :53:02.Alfie, first of all, many congratulations. Your first final

:53:03. > :53:06.here. You played with such heart, such aggression, such brilliance.

:53:07. > :53:10.Congratulations. Thank you. I have to say a big thanks obviously to

:53:11. > :53:15.this guy for keeping my head during that match. I think I kind of got

:53:16. > :53:19.carried away in the moment. A few points near the end there, so, this

:53:20. > :53:23.fella here was very calm and cool with me and kept me level-headed and

:53:24. > :53:28.that's what got us through. You have a huge amount of support here. How

:53:29. > :53:30.much do you think the crowd helped? Unbelievable.

:53:31. > :53:33.APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:53:34. > :53:37.To see so many family and friends here on this special day, it's an

:53:38. > :53:43.amazing feeling. I can't thank obviously the crowd enough for their

:53:44. > :53:49.support today, and especially coming 5-2 up in the third set and going

:53:50. > :53:52.down 6-5 you guys helped pick us up, that intensity and yeah, a massive

:53:53. > :53:56.thank you. APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:53:57. > :54:00.Congratulations again. Gordon, this is not your first time in a final.

:54:01. > :54:05.It is your first time coming out on top. The French pair fought so hard.

:54:06. > :54:08.What was it like having the advantage and saving - having match

:54:09. > :54:10.points and not getting them and coming back again? Horrible!

:54:11. > :54:15.LAUGHTER We didn't like to do it the easy way

:54:16. > :54:18.there. Yeah, first of all, massive congratulations to Alfie. His first

:54:19. > :54:25.Grand Slam title. And my first Wimbledon title here with him. It's

:54:26. > :54:29.a really special moment. Secondly, like Alfie said, the crowd really

:54:30. > :54:33.helped us come through that match and in such a tight situation in the

:54:34. > :54:37.third set and it was amazing to see so many people here. Look at

:54:38. > :54:42.everybody standing up in the other court. Amazing to see many people

:54:43. > :54:47.here enjoying wheelchair tennis, thanks everybody again. The last

:54:48. > :54:53.thanks, thank my coaching team over there in the corner. Karen, Joe and

:54:54. > :54:57.Clare, they're the ones that put in the hard work behind the scenes and

:54:58. > :55:01.make this happen. So, it's great to have them here. Thanks very much.

:55:02. > :55:06.Gordon, although you can celebrate it will only be a brief celebration

:55:07. > :55:09.because you have a big job tomorrow. You will play in the first ever

:55:10. > :55:14.singles wheelchair final here at Wimbledon. What are your thoughts on

:55:15. > :55:18.that? It's been an incredible week so far. First time we have had the

:55:19. > :55:22.opportunity to play singles here and it's been a dream week so far in

:55:23. > :55:26.terms of that. Yeah, it's been a dream of mine to play singles here

:55:27. > :55:29.since I was a little kid and to have the chance to play in the first ever

:55:30. > :55:32.final it will be the same situation as today, I will give everything I

:55:33. > :55:37.have got and try my best to come out the winner of that, as well. We will

:55:38. > :55:40.be here to support you, I am sure Alfie will be, as well. Let's move

:55:41. > :55:48.on with the trophy presentation. APPLAUSE AND

:55:49. > :55:53.CHEERING The trophies will be presented on

:55:54. > :55:57.this court to the winner and to the runner-up of the wheelchair

:55:58. > :56:02.gentlemen doubles. Please welcome on to court Geoff Newton a member of

:56:03. > :56:09.the committee of management of the championships.

:56:10. > :56:13.APPLAUSE And firstly congratulations please

:56:14. > :56:29.and applause, your support for this year's runners-up, from France,

:56:30. > :56:43.Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer. APPLAUSE AND

:56:44. > :56:51.CHEERING They put up a terrific fight. They were sensational.

:56:52. > :56:56.In the end they were outdone by the first ever British winners of the

:56:57. > :56:58.wheelchair tennis gentlemen's doubles, our champions for 2016

:56:59. > :57:07.Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid! APPLAUSE AND

:57:08. > :57:32.CHEERING Well, it really was a terrific

:57:33. > :57:41.final. Such tension in that third set.

:57:42. > :58:07.APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

:58:08. > :58:12.And the support from this crowd continues. Gordon and Alfie have got

:58:13. > :58:19.an awful lot of friends here around court 17. They will have many more

:58:20. > :58:22.fans around the country now as they celebrate becoming the first ever

:58:23. > :58:29.British winners of this title. So much tension in that final set. They

:58:30. > :58:33.led by 5-2. The French pair came back to 5-5. It went to a tie-break

:58:34. > :58:37.and match points. Eventually, Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett came out on

:58:38. > :58:42.top. Gordon will be back tomorrow for the singles. That will be an

:58:43. > :58:46.historic occasion, the first ever men's singles here at Wimbledon. He

:58:47. > :58:51.is desperate to win that and then support his friend Andy Murray later

:58:52. > :58:54.on. For now, we celebrate with them. Congratulations to Alfie Hewett and

:58:55. > :59:01.Gordon Reid. Thank for watching.