Nick Kyrgios has been making the headlines recently, following his return to the ATP Tour after a lengthy absence.
Kyrgios spent nearly two years on the sidelines, after struggling with knee, foot, and wrist injuries that prevented him from playing more than one match.
The Australian made his official return to tour action at the Brisbane International, with Kyrgios losing his only singles match to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
However, Kyrgios did pick up a win in doubles competition with Novak Djokovic, before losing in the second round to top seeds Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic.
The former Wimbledon finalist has also been catching attention due to his comments on world number one Jannik Sinner, with ATP player Alexander Bublik recently admitting that he disagrees with some of Kyrgios’s views.
Nick Kyrgios called out by Rennae Stubbs for Cruz Hewitt comment
Kyrgios has been one of the more vocal players against Sinner, since the Italian failed two anti-doping tests in March last year.
This was highlighted most recently, after the 16-year-old son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, Cruz Hewitt, posted a picture with Sinner after they practiced together in Melbourne.
Kyrgios appeared to take offence to this Instagram post with a series of comments including, “Love ya Cruz but this is wild.”
Cruz Hewitt was gearing up to compete in Australian Open qualifying, with Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill also the former mentor of Lleyton Hewitt.
This link was pointed out by Rennae Stubbs, who called out Kyrgios on her podcast, “Going after Cruz Hewitt, for hitting with the world number one, who is coached by the guy who coached his Dad, in Lleyton Hewitt, Darren Cahill.
“Darren Cahill was essentially one of the biggest and most important people in Lleyton Hewitt’s early life as a tennis player, helping him get to number one, so they have a special relationship. They are both from Adelaide. They clearly have a unique and special relationship.”
Stubbs continued, “Cruz Hewitt has a qualifying wild card into the Australian Open, so what better preparation than to go against the defending champion who is going to teach you so much about how to be a better tennis player on court? Why wouldn’t you hit with him.
“Clearly Darren said does Cruz want to hit with Jannik on Centre Court. Of course, Lleyton is going to say yes to that. That is an opportunity any kid would want. To give the guy s*** on social media and go after him is not a joke. If you want to joke, you call his Dad or call him, because I’m pretty sure you have either of their numbers. You don’t give him shit on a public forum, that’s embarrassing to him. He just doesn’t know how to stop and learn to be an adult in these situations.”
How did Cruz Hewitt do in Australian Open qualifying?
Teenager Cruz Hewitt received a wildcard for Australian Open qualifying for the first time in his career in 2025.
The Australian hopeful was trying to replicate his father, Lleyton Hewitt, who had qualified for his home Grand Slam tournament as a 15-year-old back in 1997.
However, it was not meant to be, with Cruz Hewitt losing in the first round of qualifying to former top 20 ranked player Nikoloz Basilashvili.
However, the 2025 Australian Open is not over just yet for the young talent, as he will also compete in the junior tournament.
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