Every now and then, sport gives us a story that makes us stop and smile. One of those came recently when Lleyton Hewitt and his son Cruz teamed up at the New South Wales Open, making their first appearance together as a doubles pairing in a professional tournament.
They dominated in their opening match before eventually falling in their second, but the significance of the moment goes far beyond the scoreboard. Lleyton, who spent decades as one of Australia’s most tenacious competitors, isn’t on the court here as the world-beater we remember.
He’s on the court as a dad, sharing the game with his son. And Cruz isn’t just along for the ride; he’s stepping into his own journey – learning, growing, and forming his own identity in the sport alongside his father.
What strikes me most is how naturally this reads as a story about presence and relationship. In professional sport, so often it’s about contracts, headlines, and public criticism. But here’s a father walking alongside his son, and a son stepping into his own journey with guidance, not control.
That simple dynamic – sharing time, effort, and experience – is something that resonates far beyond tennis. Sport has a unique way of deepening relationships. Some of my favourite memories growing up weren’t about grand finals or highlight reels, but playing sport with family and friends, or even watching footy with my father.
Those ordinary moments are where sport really shows its power – as a way of connecting, of laughing, of learning together. Watching the Hewitts reminded me of that: shared moments and small victories that leave a lasting mark.
There’s also a subtle window into the Christian faith here. In a small but real way, watching a father delight in his son reflects something of God’s fatherhood. Just as Lleyton takes joy in Cruz, God takes joy in each of us. Just as a father guides, encourages, and celebrates his child’s growth, God walks with us, rejoices in our successes, and patiently nurtures our gifts.
It’s not a perfect comparison, but it’s a beautiful reminder that human love, expressed faithfully, can point us toward a divine truth, a divine love. What makes this story so appealing isn’t the scoreline or the win-loss record, but the act of being together. Love, guidance, and joy are most visible in ordinary moments – playing, talking, laughing –not just in accolades or achievements.
Lleyton and Cruz, in choosing to compete together, have offered a vivid example of that truth. In a world where too many fathers are absent – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – seeing one stand beside his son is powerful.
Even if it only lasts a few matches, seeing a father delight in and walk alongside his son is a beautiful and necessary reminder of the constant, patient, and joyful love the Father has for each of us.