SYDNEY — The highly anticipated comeback of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt to professional tennis, this time partnering with his 18-year-old son Cruz, came to an end in the quarter-finals of the ATP Challenger Tour's NSW Open. The father-son duo, who captured the imagination of the tennis world with their unique pairing, were defeated by the experienced Australian team of Blake Ellis and Andrew Harris in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
The match, played on an outside court at the Tennis Centre in Sydney, was a poignant moment for the Hewitt family and Australian tennis fans. For Lleyton, a two-time major champion and former Davis Cup captain, it was a brief return to the competitive arena he dominated in the early 2000s. For Cruz, it was a valuable opportunity to experience the pressures of professional play alongside a legend of the sport—who also happens to be his dad.
A Dream Team Takes the Court
The announcement that Lleyton Hewitt would end his retirement from professional tennis, albeit for a single doubles event, sent ripples of excitement through the Australian sporting community. Hewitt, now 43, had not played an official ATP Tour or Challenger-level match since his final Australian Open in 2016. His return was contingent on one special condition: his partner would be his eldest son, Cruz, who is currently carving out his own path in the junior and professional ranks.
Speaking before the tournament, Lleyton's pride was palpable. "This is something Cruz and I have spoken about for a long time," Hewitt said. "To be able to finally share the court with him in a professional event is a dream come true for me as a father. It’s a memory we’ll have forever, regardless of the result."
The pairing required a special exemption from the tournament organizers, which was gladly granted. In their first-round match, they demonstrated their potential by defeating the all-Australian pair of Thomas Fancutt and Adam Walton 6-4, 6-4. The victory showcased glimpses of Lleyton’s famed competitive fire and Cruz’s developing power and court craft, setting up the quarter-final clash that would ultimately end their run.
The Quarter-Final Showdown
Facing Ellis and Harris, a team with significantly more recent professional experience, proved to be a sterner test. The match dynamics highlighted the contrast between the legendary grit of the elder Hewitt and the raw, powerful game of the younger.
The first set was a tightly contested affair early on, with both teams holding serve. However, the experience of Ellis and Harris began to show as they targeted Cruz’s serve in the eighth game, securing a crucial break to go up 5-3. They then comfortably served out the set. The second set followed a similar pattern, with the more seasoned duo managing to secure a single break of serve, which was all they needed to close out the match.
Despite the loss, the occasion was about far more than the scoreline. The crowd was firmly behind the Hewitts, cheering every winning volley and offering encouraging applause after missed opportunities. For many, it was a chance to see a beloved champion back in action and witness the beginning of a potential new chapter for the Hewitt name in Australian tennis.
Reflections from a Champion Father
In a post-match press conference, Lleyton Hewitt was reflective, focusing not on the loss but on the profound experience of competing with his son. "It was unbelievable," he stated. "I loved every second of it. Just to be out there with Cruz, it was special. He’s worked so hard, and to see him handle himself the way he did on this stage makes me incredibly proud."
He acknowledged the challenges they faced against a specialist doubles team. "Look, they’re a good team. They’ve played a lot together. We had our chances, but they played the big points better. For Cruz, this is all part of the learning process. You have to learn to win these matches, and this was a great lesson."
The Future for Cruz Hewitt
For Cruz Hewitt, the NSW Open was a significant milestone. Having grown up in the shadow of his father’s colossal legacy, he is now determined to build his own. The 18-year-old possesses a powerful game, noticeably bigger than his father's, with a strong serve and aggressive groundstrokes.
Cruz shared his unique perspective on the experience: "It was pretty surreal, to be honest. I’ve watched so much footage of Dad playing, and to finally be on the court with him in a real match was crazy. The nerves were there at the start, but once we got into it, it was just about trying to win each point. It’s an experience I’ll never forget."
The key takeaways for the young player, who is currently ranked outside the ATP’s top 1000, are the level of intensity and consistency required at the professional level. The areas where he and his father identified needing work include:
- Return of Serve: Handling the pace and placement of serves from seasoned pros.
- Net Play: Improving reflexes and volley technique in fast-paced exchanges.
- Sustained Focus: Maintaining a high level of play throughout the entire match.
Cruz’s immediate plan is to continue competing on the ITF World Tennis Tour, aiming to accumulate ranking points and match experience. The guidance from a father who has been to the very pinnacle of the sport is an invaluable asset.
A Legacy Continues
Lleyton Hewitt’s brief return, while ending in a loss, served as a powerful reminder of his enduring connection to Australian tennis. From the "Come On!" fist pumps to the relentless hustle for every ball, the signature elements of his game were on full display, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans.
More importantly, the event symbolized a passing of the torch. While Lleyton’s professional comeback is almost certainly a one-off, the spotlight is now firmly on the next generation. Cruz Hewitt, along with other emerging Australian talents, represents the future of the sport in the country.
In the end, the scoreboard showed a loss for Team Hewitt. But the broader narrative was one of family, legacy, and the simple joy of a father and son sharing a court. As Lleyton himself put it, "This week was a win for us, no matter what. We achieved what we set out to do. We created a memory."
And with that, the former No. 1 returns to his retirement, leaving the baton—and the dream—in the capable hands of his son.