Washington (United States) (AFP) – Cruz Hewitt, the 17-year-old son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, captured his first ATP Tour victory on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Washington Open. The Aussie teen, ranked 612th in the world, ousted fellow qualifier Marcos Giron of the United States 6-3, 6-4 in 74 minutes in his ATP main draw debut. Among his father’s 30 career ATP titles was the 2004 Washington crown, four years before Cruz was born.
“It’s a pretty special moment,” Hewitt said. “Seeing my dad play this tournament and to get my first tour win, it feels really cool.” Hewitt plays for a quarter-final berth against the winner of a scheduled later match between Greek wildcard Stefanos Tsitsipas and top-seeded defending champion Alex de Minaur, a newlywed from Australia.
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Hewitt copied a celebration from his father after the victory, holding up his bent right arm with his hand curled back toward him. “He just always did it and when I was little I’ve just always seen it,” Hewitt said. “It’s cool to be able to do that now because obviously my dad has been a huge part of where I am today.” Hewitt was uncertain he could copy his father, who won his first ATP match at Adelaide in 1998 on the way to his first tour title. “I’ll try my best,” he said. “I’m just playing one match at a time.”
Hewitt saw his father’s name on the ring of champions at center court during his qualifying wins. “It’s very surreal,” he said. “Pretty special to play my first two qualies matches on center court and my dad’s name being in the back. Kind of inspirational to look up at it as well. Super special to be back here.” Hewitt became familiar with ATP events while being at them with his father but said they have a different and special feel now. “Trying to forge my own path, use what advice my dad has from his experience, which I think helps a lot,” Hewitt said. “I do feel pretty comfortable to be at the tournaments. It’s pretty exciting because I’ve dreamed of playing at these tournaments and I’ve seen behind the scenes and to be in the gym and the locker room with these guys, it’s pretty cool.”
France’s 47th-ranked Adrian Mannarino eliminated American fifth seed Learner Tien 7-5, 6-4 to book a second-round match against American Alex Michelsen, who ousted US lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 7-5. French eighth seed Arthur Fils was defeated, falling to Spain’s 19-year-old Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. The Spaniard reached a second-round match against Japan’s 36-year-old Kei Nishikori. Rain halted US third seed Ben Shelton’s match with US qualifier Martin Damm in the second set.
– Eala advances –
Filipino 21-year-old left-hander Alexandra Eala rallied to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 after two hours and 26 minutes. Eala, ranked 28th, was down a set and a break but broke six times in all to oust the reigning Olympic champion. “Just being patient and being brave, waiting for my opportunities,” Eala said. “It was a very difficult match. I was at some difficult points but I’m happy with how I was able to turn it.”
Eala will play for a quarter-final berth against seventh-seeded defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada. “She’s known to be a fighter and have a really good mentality on court,” Eala said. “I know I’ll have to bring what I have.” Venus Williams, a 46-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, was scheduled to face Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in a later first-round match.
© 2024 AFP
