Cruz Hewitt’s Mubadala DC Open run came to an end at the hands of fellow Australian Alex de Minaur on Thursday afternoon. De Minaur, the defending champion in Washington, secured a quarterfinal spot with a 6-2, 6-3 win that required exactly one hour.
The two Aussies go way back — at least as way back as a 17-year-old (Hewitt) can go. A recent runner-up at the Wimbledon junior event, Hewitt is the son of Lleyton — who has worked extensively with De Minaur (especially in Davis Cup) throughout the 27-year-old’s career.
“It was definitely weird,” De Minaur said of the matchup. “I knew I was going to play him on the Tour some day, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week. It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up. I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”
“He’s like my older brother,” Hewitt said prior to the match. “I’ve known him basically nearly my whole life. He’s stayed with us. We have Christmas together, also. He’s taught me so much. I hit with him before this tournament for two days and then a few times at Wimbledon, as well. Obviously, I learn a lot hitting with him.”
De Minaur will go up against Brandon Nakashima on Friday after the American ousted Jakub Mensik in three sets. Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo also booked their spots in the last eight.
nice one, Demon