Australian tennis players Alex de Minaur and Cruz Hewitt faced off in a highly anticipated first-round match at the DC Open on Thursday, marking the teenager’s debut in the main draw of a men’s professional tournament. De Minaur, the 27-year-old top seed and defending champion, defeated 17-year-old Hewitt 6-2, 6-3 at the Rock Creek Park tennis center in Washington, D.C.
The match held added significance given the relationship between the two athletes. Hewitt is the son of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, and he has known de Minaur for approximately ten years. The elder Hewitt was a major influence on de Minaur during his rise through the tennis ranks, and in recent years, de Minaur has assumed a mentoring role for the younger Hewitt. They have spent considerable time training together, and the two families have a close personal connection.
Cruz Hewitt earned his spot in the DC Open main draw by advancing through the qualifiers, including a win over Marcos Giron after an opponent retired due to injury. The son of Lleyton Hewitt has demonstrated strong potential, combining powerful groundstrokes and a formidable serve despite his inexperience on the professional circuit.
De Minaur acknowledged Hewitt’s composure under pressure, praising his ability to handle the expectations that come with his family legacy at a young age. “He’s going to be a dangerous player, for sure,” de Minaur said prior to their match. “He’s definitely doing the right things, and with Lleyton in his corner, he’s handling the pressure well.”
The match was a milestone for Hewitt, who described playing de Minaur as a “dream” and compared him to an older brother, emphasizing their personal bond. Despite the loss, Hewitt’s performance indicated his readiness to compete at this level.
De Minaur, who advanced to the second round by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round, expressed surprise at facing Hewitt so early but welcomed the opportunity. After their match, he praised the young player’s potential and urged patience in his development, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance over time. “The whole world should let him develop at his own pace,” de Minaur said. “He can definitely produce this extremely high level of tennis. The next part is to do it consistently week after week.”
The encounter between the two Australians offered a glimpse into the sport’s future, demonstrating both the passing of experience and the emergence of new talent within the Australian tennis community.