Cruz Hewitt exits Australian Open Qualifiers after tough loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili

Nikoloz Basilashvili ends Cruz Hewitt’s dream with a 6-1, 6-4 victory in the first round of Australian Open qualifers. The 16-year-old received a wildcard from the organisers, sparking criticism on social media due to his low ranking of No. 1263.

It was no easy task for the local teenager, facing a former Masters 1000 finalist. Back in the 2021 Indian Wells final, Basilashvili fell to Cameron Norrie. As the Georgian works his way back up the rankings, he was seen as a strong contender in the qualifiers.

Basilashvili ends Hewitt’s Aussie Open dreams 

Basilashvili (No. 210) quickly took control of the match. Despite a competitive start, he was stronger in key moments, holding his serve comfortably and securing two consecutive breaks. The Georgian was up 5-0 in just over 20 minutes. Hewitt managed to hold his serve for the first time but only to make the scoreline less lopsided, ending the first set 6-1 in favour of Basilashvili.

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The 30-year-old was nearly flawless with a 72% first-serve percentage, winning 89% of those points, while Hewitt managed only 50% first serves, winning 64% of them.

In the second set, the Australian seemed to find his rhythm, but Basilashvili broke in the third game. However, a moment of vulnerability allowed Hewitt to break back and level the score, staying competitive in the set.

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Even so, the former Indian Wells runner-up secured another break and held his serve to close out the match. Despite his first-serve effectiveness dropping to 57%, Basilashvili’s experience showed as he saved both break points faced. He sealed the victory 6-1, 6-4 in just over an hour and 14 minutes.

In the second round of qualifying, Basilashvili will face the winner of the match between Alibek Kachmazov (No. 197) and 22nd seed Shintaro Mochizuki (No. 170).

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