Alex de Minaur has set up a tantalising match with a future Aussie tennis prodigy in Cruz Hewitt after winning his first round match in his Washington DC title defence. Hewitt recorded his first ever ATP Tour win in Washington DC after going through qualifying to reach the main draw.
Hewitt defeated Marcos Giron in straight sets and the 17-year-old will see his ranking rocket into the Top 400 as he continues his stellar 2026 season. However, he now faces the toughest opponent of his career in a mentor and fellow Aussie.
Tennis fans are getting excited with Alex de Minaur (pictured far right) set to play Cruz Hewitt in the second round at Washington DC. (Images: Getty Images)
De Minaur returned to the tour after marrying Katie Boulter and faced a tricky match against Stefanos Tsitsipas to start his title defence. The Aussie managed to find his rhythm towards the backend of the match to win in three sets.
This is only the second time de Minaur has defeated Tsitsipas on tour having struggled in their head-to-head in recent years. Tsitsipas had won 12 of their last 13 matches.
Although the Aussie was able to gain a huge boost in his first match back following a break after Wimbledon. “I’m happy with how it went today… played the match on its own merits, and ultimately found a way in a tricky, tricky match,” de Minaur said.
And his victory means he will now face Hewitt in the second round. When Hewitt was growing up he was often seen around de Minaur’s, alongside his father and Davis Cup captain, as he developed as a tennis player. With his father Lleyton Hewitt often mentoring de Minaur in the earlier stages of his career, Cruz and the Aussie No.1 are very familiar with each others game.
Alex de Minaur (pictured left) and Cruz Hewitt (pictured right) will play in the second round in Washington DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Ned’s Club Washington, DC)
And the pair will now square-off in the second round of the Mubadala Open. When de Minaur was jokingly asked who Lleyton would be supporting in the second round, the Aussie couldn’t help but share a laugh.
“I would expect him to be in his son’s box, and rightfully so,” de Minaur said. “Lleyton has been an immense help for me in my career.” Fans couldn’t help but get excited for the all-Aussie clash between the current Aussie No.1 and a potential future star.
Alex de Minaur returns from wedding
De Minaur took a break after Wimbledon having married partner Boulter. The pair were able to celebrate with a short break from the tour, before he returned to defend his title.
“It was an amazing time, everything we could have ever imagined,” De Minaur said having put the exit of Wimbledon behind him. “It was like our own little movie. We were able to celebrate with family and friends and have a very small honeymoon.
“Then we’re on a flight here to Washington and getting our heads screwed back on and back to being tennis players.” De Minuar will be looking to make a statement against Hewitt who has been in sensational form since reaching the boys’ final at Wimbledon.
Lleyton Hewitt (pictured left) will be in attendance to watch Cruz Hewitt (pictured middle) take on Alex de Minaur. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)