Cruz Hewitt, Bernard Tomic crash out of Australian Opening qualifying

Cruz Hewitt turned back the clock for fans by dropping several “c’mons” during his first senior grand slam appearance, before falling short in his quest to qualify for the Australian Open.

Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of Lleyton Hewitt, has gone down swinging in his first senior grand slam appearance in front of a packed stadium.

Hewitt’s opponent, Georgian former world No.16 Nikoloz Basilashvili, was too strong, taking the round one Australian Open qualifying match 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 13 minutes.

Hewitt’s quest to qualify for the AO main draw is now over – as is Bernard Tomic’s, with the former world No.17 falling 3-6, 1-6 to Slovakian Jozef Kovalik over on Kia Arena.

C’monnnnn! Cruz Hewitt celebrates winning a point against Nikoloz Basilashvili in his Australian Open qualifying match. Picture: Michael Klein

Hewitt showed plenty of promise during the match, and won plenty of fans. Picture: Michael Klein

A vocal near-capacity crowd cheered on Hewitt in the 3000-seat Court 3 at Melbourne Park. Among them were his parents, two-time grand slam champion Lleyton and Bec, and grandparents Cherily and Glynn Hewitt.

The junior Hewitt turned back time for many in the crowd by dropping several of his father’s trademark “c’mons” at the end of key points. Lleyton, too, was animated from the coaches’ box, rising out of his seat and fist pumping.

The match was a real flashback for tennis fan Andrew Twist of Croydon South, who recalled watching Lleyton “when he was a kid”.

“I saw him coming through qualifying here when he was 15, so to see Cruz is awesome,” Mr Twist said.

“For 16 years old, he’s got everything it takes, he’s just lacking the fire power.

“But there’s so much potential in his game. Once he gets a little bit stronger and just moving a little bit faster, has that extra 10 per cent, things will be better for him.”

Hewitt’s family – including parents Lleyton and Bec, were in the crowd. Picture: Michael Klein

Glynn and Cherilyn Hewitt watch their grandson Cruz play. Picture: Michael Klein

Bec Hewitt was delighted to see her son on the big stage. Picture: Michael Klein

Mr Twist said his 11-year-old son, Harry, begged him to bring him to Melbourne Park earlier than they had planned on Tuesday to catch Cruz’s match.

He was pleased to see such big crowds at AO qualifying – driven by the fact general admission tickets this week, for AO Opening Week, presented by the Herald Sun, cost just $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

Harry added: “He’s really good for 16, he’s just getting out powered.”

Basilashvili fired down seven aces and 22 winners, while Hewitt managed 17 winners.

Bernard Tomic during his qualifying match against Jozef Kovalik. Picture: David Caird

Tomic crashed out in two sets. Picture: David Caird

Tomic came into qualifying with plenty of momentum. Picture: David Caird

Meanwhile, Tomic was disappointed to crash out of qualifying after coming in with so much momentum behind him – having reeled in his world ranking from No.825 in 2022 to No.214.

His match lasted an hour, as he fired down just seven winners but 19 unforced errors, compared to his opponent’s 26 and 15.

Fellow Aussie Maddison Inglis progressed to the second round of qualifying, defeating France’s Elsa Jacquemot 6-3, 6-2. As did Brisbane International quarter-finalist Kim Birrell, toppling Sara Saito of Japan 7-6, 6-2.

Melbourne’s Jamiee Fourlis took a set off her Spanish opponent Sara Sorribes Tormo, but still fell 5-7, 7-5, 4-6 to the higher-ranked player.

AO Opening Week tickets are available via Ticketmaster.