GORDON Reid's new year began with defeat in the last four of the Sydney Wheelchair Tennis Open as he prepares to defend his first Grand Slam title.

The Helensburgh world number one, who was made an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list, lost 7-5, 6-2 to Alfie Hewett in the last four of the tournament – the English player gaining some measure of revenge for his defeat at Reid's hands in last year's Paralympic men's singles final in Rio.

The duo – who won doubles silver in Rio – reached the final of the Sydney men's doubles, but lost out to the same pair who beat them in that Rio final, Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer.

Reid's preparations continue at the Melbourne Wheelchair Tennis Open, which begins on Wednesday, and will be his final tournament before the Australian Open, which begins on Wednesday, January 25.

Last year's win 'down under' set Reid up for the best year of his career as he won at Wimbledon, claimed Paralympic gold and became world number one for the first time.

The 2016 final saw Reid produce a magnificent performance to defeat Joachim Gerard of Belgium 7-6, (9-7), 6-4 in Melbourne.

He had defeated world number one Shingo Kunieda and Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez earlier in the week.

The final was a tense affair and Reid had to hold his nerve early on to save a set point in a first set tie-break. He put away his own second set point with a forehand winner.

Reid made the crucial breakthrough in the third when he broke Gerard to love to take a 5-4 second set lead, before calmly serving out for a memorable victory.