Cruz Hewitt crashes out of Australian Open qualifying in front of packed-out crowd
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A near-full court three at Melbourne Park was treated to a glimpse of Australia’s tennis future on Tuesday as Cruz Hewitt pushed former top-20 player Nikoloz Basilashvili in his first formal match at his home grand slam, before the Georgian prevailed 6-1, 6-4 in 73 minutes.
![[Cruz Hewitt celebrates winning a point during 2025 Australian Open qualifying]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6d4f476a6a8220e11d2d6ef352a0298bcc0d2abf/0_0_1999_3000/master/1999.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The 16-year-old’s Australian Open debut drew hundreds for the first round of qualifying which would usually be played in front of largely empty stands at Melbourne Park. The curious onlookers were joined by more than a dozen in the Hewitt box including mother Bec and father Lleyton, who sat beside coach Peter Luczak and was briefly accompanied by Australia’s top-ranked player Alex de Minaur.
The teenager showed promise with several forehand winners, but was unable to match the powerful groundstrokes of Basilashvili, who is mounting a comeback after four surgeries to his arm. The first set flashed by, and the Australian was broken twice before he retreated to beneath a towel at the change of ends with the score 0-5.
At that stage it looked like an embarrassing day for the Hewitt family, but the gangly youth showed determination to elevate his game and provide a challenge to his accomplished opponent. Amid urging from the stands to take his time and regain composure, the very next game Hewitt held serve and shook his racquet in as much relief as joy.
Apart from the crowded box, three confidants were providing instructions at the other end of the court, underlining the expectation that hovers around the younger Hewitt. He was given a wildcard into qualifying for this tournament, and while his game is still improving, his appeal is obvious.
