Lleyton Hewitt is set to step back onto the Australian Open stage, reminding fans why he remains one of the country’s most enduring sporting figures. Nearly a decade after retiring from singles tennis, the former world No.1 is preparing for a high-profile return — not in competition, but celebration — as part of an all-star exhibition that will reunite some of the game’s biggest names.
The 44-year-old Australian great will feature in an exhibition doubles match alongside Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter on Saturday, drawing crowds eager to relive an era that shaped modern tennis.
While the spotlight will again shine on Hewitt at Melbourne Park, his story today extends far beyond past trophies. From his long-standing marriage to actress Bec Hewitt to watching his teenage son Cruz chase his own tennis dream, Hewitt’s life now is firmly grounded in family, legacy and the sport that defined him.
A Champion Who Defined an Era
Hewitt’s playing career remains one of the most successful in Australian tennis history. Across a fierce and highly competitive era, he claimed two Grand Slam titles — the US Open and Wimbledon — and collected 30 singles titles in total.
Despite his dominance on the world stage, one achievement eluded him: a Grand Slam title on home soil. His closest opportunity came in the 2005 Australian Open final, where he was defeated by Marat Safin.
Hewitt officially stepped away from singles tennis in 2016, closing the chapter on a career built on relentless intensity, grit and competitiveness. Yet retirement did not mark a complete goodbye. In recent years, he has returned to the court in doubles appearances, including a memorable outing late last year alongside his son.
In November, Hewitt teamed up with Cruz Hewitt as a wildcard entry at the NSW Open. The father-son pairing exceeded expectations, advancing through to the quarter-finals and offering a glimpse of tennis becoming a shared family pursuit.
A Public Tribute to the Woman Beside Him
Behind Hewitt’s longevity has been the steady presence of his wife, Bec Hewitt, formerly actress Bec Cartwright. The pair first met in 1999, though their relationship began several years later in late 2004.
Their engagement came quickly. Hewitt proposed just six weeks into their relationship, shortly after his loss in the Australian Open final. They married in July 2005 in a ceremony held at the Sydney Opera House and have since raised three children together.
Earlier this year, as the couple marked 20 years of marriage, Hewitt used his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame to publicly acknowledge the role Bec played throughout his career.
“My beautiful supporting wife Bec. It’s not easy being a partner of a tennis player,” he said in November. “Tennis is a very individual sport.”
He spoke candidly about the sacrifices involved, describing the constant travel, time overseas and the demands placed on family life — especially while raising young children.
“She’s travelled the world with us and it’s a grind,” Hewitt said. “Especially with three young kids, we’ve had to move base and set up overseas.”
Hewitt credited his wife with being the foundation that allowed him to compete at the highest level for two decades.
“You’ve been the rock the whole time supporting me,” he said. “I certainly wouldn’t have been able to continue my career and play 20 Australian Opens without you.”
Watching His Son Chase the Same Dream
In recent weeks, Hewitt has been back at Melbourne Park not as a player, but as a parent. Alongside Bec, he was seen in the stands supporting their son Cruz as the 17-year-old attempted to qualify for the Australian Open.
Read also – Inside Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s Marriage: The Simple Rule That Keeps Them Strong
It marked Cruz’s second attempt to reach the main draw. Last year, he entered qualifying via a wildcard but exited in the opening round. History repeated itself this week, with Cruz again falling at the first hurdle.
He was defeated 6-3, 6-3 by American Michael Zheng, who acknowledged the teenager’s competitiveness after the match.
“He returned really well on the games that he broke me,” Zheng said. “He was doing a good job attacking my second serve, but I just kept calm and tried to take it one point at a time.”
While the result was disappointing, Cruz’s junior résumé continues to build. In 2025, he reached the second round of junior singles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He has also claimed an ITF doubles title at M25 Tamworth in September and made an ITF singles final at M25 Launceston in February.
Read also – The Film Critics Hated That Turned Michael Caine Into a Gangster Movie Icon
The 2026 Australian Open begins on January 18, with all matches broadcast live from Melbourne on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.
A High-Profile Relationship From the Past
Before his marriage to Bec, Hewitt’s personal life drew global attention during his relationship with Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters. The pair began dating during the Australian Open in 2000 and became one of the sport’s most high-profile couples.
They announced their engagement in December 2003, but less than a year later, the relationship ended and the wedding was called off.
Read also – Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Review: A Glossy Period Mystery That Feels Stuck in the Past
Despite the split, Clijsters has since spoken positively about the influence Hewitt had on her development as a player.
In a 2022 appearance on the Craig Shapiro Tennis podcast, she reflected on the professional environment she was exposed to during their time together.
“Being in a relationship with Lleyton was something I learned a lot from,” Clijsters said, pointing to the coaches Hewitt worked with, including Darren Cahill and Roger Rasheed.
She described Hewitt as intensely committed and highly professional, lessons she says stayed with her throughout her career.
Read also – Inside Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s Marriage: The Simple Rule That Keeps Them Strong
“Now that I’m older, I realise how important that part of
my life has been in my development in tennis,” she said. “The effort, the patience.”
A Legacy Still Being Written
Today, Hewitt’s influence on Australian tennis continues in quieter, more personal ways. Whether returning to the court for exhibition matches, mentoring the next generation, or supporting his son from the stands, his connection to the sport remains strong.
Read also – Woman Killed by Falling Tree Branch as Wild Weather Batters NSW and Eastern Australia
As the Australian Open unfolds once again, Hewitt’s presence serves as a reminder that while titles and rankings fade, the impact of a career — and the family behind it — endures well beyond the final match point.