Australian tennis rising star Cruz Hewitt, 16, faced a difficult task on his maiden Australian Open qualifying appearance at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. His opponent was Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili, who was a former top-20 player. Hewitt showed all the enthusiasm in the contest but Basilashvili dominated it, taking a 6-1, 6-4 victory in just 73 minutes.
The crowd was impressive, considering it was one of the early rounds of qualifying, with hundreds of spectators packed into the stands. Cruz’s parents, tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt and Bec Hewitt, were there, as well as his coach Peter Luczak and Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur.
A Promising Start Under the Spotlight
Hewitt showed glimpses of promise in the course of the match, including some forehand winners that had the crowd going into raptures. But it proved tough against Basilashvili, who too is returning to the tour following multiple arm surgeries. The young Hewitt broke twice early to lose the opening set in fly-by fashion.
Facing a 0-5 deficit in the opening set, Hewitt could have cracked under the pressure. Instead, he showed heart, holding serve to avoid a shutout and giving the crowd something to cheer about.
Sounds of a Famous Father
But for all the fire and determination, Hewitt’s inevitability cannot help but bring comparisons to his father, Lleyton – Australia’s most celebrated tennis player. The wincing fist clenches, the audible “come on,” the whole aura that screams from his every serve – all were reminders of his elder Hewitt’s trademark on court.
The second set was more competitive because Cruz adjusted to Basilashvili powerful game. He broke the Georgian’s serve, which brought the loudest applause of the match and strengthened his potential to grow into a strong player.
Learning Experience Amid High Expectations
While Cruz flashed brilliance, Basilashvili experience proved to be the difference. The Georgian dominated his service games and targeted Hewitt’s backhand, a weaker part of the teenager’s developing skillset.
It was a dark horse in the qualifiers, but its great support in the big crowd proved that right. It was the passing of the torch to most; Cruz came into the limelight of Australian tennis legacy.
Rising Star Cruz Hewitt Faces Stiff Test Against Veteran in Australian Open Debut
Support from Family and Moments Beyond Court
Throughout the match, Cruz’s family played a very visible role. His mother, Bec, coordinated the supporters’ box with visible excitement, while his father, Lleyton, watched coolly behind dark sunglasses, offering steady encouragement. Coach Peter Luczak provided tactical guidance from the sidelines.
Other Melbourne Park Highlights
Elsewhere, veterans and rising stars carried on their qualifying campaigns. Teen sensation Bernard Tomic’s former golden-day glory ran out after he was defeated in straight sets by Slovakia’s Jozef Kovalik. For the ladies, Australia’s Maddison Inglis and Kimberly Barrell have qualified with victory over France’s Elsa Jacquemot and Japan’s Sara Saito, respectively.
It may not be the case with the coming-of-age debut of Cruz Hewitt. Still, he has proven to be the sufficient opposing force as his defiance and those wonderful moments of glory promise that much more is to come, especially when he continues development under the watchful eyes of the fan and mentors.
Young yet to be believed star Luke Littler is now ready to take on the long serving world champion
