Retirement on hold as Hewitt advances to second round

Lleyton Hewitt defeated fellow Australian James Duckworth 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4 in the first round at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

Lleyton Hewitt's farewell tour lived on for another day after the retiring former world number one saw off countryman James Duckworth in straight sets at the Australian Open.

Tuesday was dubbed 'C'mon day' in honour of Hewitt, with all eyes on the Australian icon as he opened his 20th and final campaign at Melbourne Park.

And the 34-year-old did not disappoint, sealing a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4 win with a perfectly executed lob to advance to the second round.

Hewitt, who boasted a 36-10 record against Australians heading into this contest, showed his trademark grit and fight as he won a first-set tie-break, having failed to serve out the opener at 5-4.

The second stanza was a lot more straightforward for Hewitt, who maintained a double-break advantage throughout to take a commanding two-sets-to-love lead.

Duckworth hit back in the third set, moving 4-2 ahead, before Hewitt reeled off four consecutive games to send the crowd into raptures at Rod Laver Arena.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Hewitt bt Duckworth 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4

ACES

Hewitt - 10

Duckworth - 15

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Hewitt - 28/23

Duckworth - 45/42

BREAK POINTS WON

Hewitt - 5/14

Duckworth - 2/8

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE