Lleyton Hewitt is back. Again. And winning. Again.
Hewitt, who last played a singles match at the 2016 Australian Open, is making another doubles comeback at this week’s Estoril Open. The 37-year-old emerged from semi-retirement to play three doubles matches later in 2016 (including two at Wimbledon) before skipping all of 2017–aside from his normal duties working with current Australian stars.
One of those rising stars is Alex de Minaur, with whom Hewitt is making his latest doubles partnership. The former world No. 1, who went all the way to the Australian Open quarterfinals with fellow Aussie Sam Groth, teamed up with de Minaur to upset the second-seeded duo of Michael Venus and Raven Klaasen 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday. Hewitt and de Minaur saved four of five break points and broke their opponents three times while prevailing in one hour and six minutes.
“Even though I know Alex extremely well, this was our first time playing together,” Hewitt said. “We’ve never even done that in practice. For me it was a thrill and for Alex it’s his first ATP doubles win. It was fun.”
“This was a dream come true,” de Minaur assured. “I’ve watched Lleyton play so much, but to be on the same side of the net is incredible. It’s insane how he hits the ball. I wanted to give a good level I was nervous at the start. I’m happy we got the win I’ll never forget this day.”
“I don’t know if I retired in doubles,” added Hewitt, who noted that he was “surprised” by his level at the Australian Open. “I know it means a lot to Alex playing with me this week. I really enjoy working with him.”
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