Tennis fans have criticised Bernard Tomic’s showing in Australian Open qualifying on Tuesday, with many saying Cruz Hewitt showed much more fight and effort than his veteran compatriot. Tomic and Hewitt both fell at the first hurdle in their bids to qualify for the Melbourne Park grand slam, although their matches were markedly different.

Tomic looked lethargic and unenthusiastic – as has been his style throughout his whole career – and his effort completely fell away in the second set. The 32-year-old was trounced by Slovakian World No.128 Jozef Kovalik 6-3 6-1, and he appeared to give up after being broken early in the second.

A one-time World No.17, Tomic has made the fourth round of the Australian Open three times during his 11 appearances at the grand slam. But we may have seen him for the last time after a disappointing result in his first appearance in Melbourne in three years.

He was unable to repeat his feats from 2021 when he won three qualifying matches to make the main draw, before also making the second round. Currently ranked 204 in the world, Tomic earned just over $100,000 last year playing in Challenger and Future events in tennis backwaters.

He could have made a handy $132,000 by qualifying for the Australian Open main draw, but it appears his days playing in grand slams are over. The 32-year-old was unwilling to explain the loss to the media and snubbed a post-match press conference.

“Am I going to get a fine?,” the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist asked a tennis official who told him interviews weren’t obligatory. “OK, I’m good,” he said.

Cruz Hewitt wins plenty of admirers despite loss

Tennis fans couldn’t help but feel disappointed by Tomic’s display, with many noting the 16-year Hewitt had much more effort and hunger. Granted a wildcard into the qualifying tournament, Cruz was trying to emulate father Lleyton by making the main draw as a teenager.

But his charge was stopped by Georgian veteran Nikoloz Basilashvili, who won 6-1 6-4. Despite the loss, fans and commentators were impressed by Cruz’s display, showing the grit and determination his father was famous for.

Watched by his father and former actress mother Bec in the stands, Cruz had little answer to the firepower of Basilashvili, who has been ranked as high as World No.16 and is returning from a long-term arm injury. But Cruz found some rhythm in the second set and had a chance to draw level at 5-5.

He was up 0-30 on his opponent’s serve, but two backhand errors allowed Basilashvili to wrap up the game and match. The 16-year-old also later declined to talk to the media about his performance, but won plenty of admirers compared to Tomic.

“Cruz showed up and played very well,” Basilashvili said. “When I was 16 I would have pooped my pants to come out and play qualies (qualifiers) at a grand slam.”

Commentator Dave Culbert said: “There’s a lot to like about him. A glimpse into the future as we look back into the past. He has a lot to take out of that. It sure won’t be the last time we see Cruz Hewitt on a big court at the Australian Open.”

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Sports psychologist’s powerful message to Cruz Hewitt

Speaking to Yahoo Sport Australia, leading sports psychologist Alan Mantle highlighted the treacherous path young stars tread when they have a famous surname, but has urged Cruz to try and do things his way. “Don’t let other people’s expectations define you. They’re external factors you have no control over,” he said.

“The name and people’s comparisons to your famous mother or father is not going to go away – it’s how you choose to handle it. Use your father or mother’s ability and talent to help model you as an individual but don’t copy. It’s about finding what works best for you as an individual and doing something you love, rather than doing something others would love you to do.”

with AAP