Hewitt's passion wins over huge Aus Open crowd
Most Australian sports fans can surely admit they had a bit of a chuckle when they discovered Lleyton Hewitt would be making a comeback at the Australian Open.
Yet the former world No.1's passion on the doubles court with Sam Groth must have won over more than a few this week.
WONDERFUL WORDS: Federer opens up on four kids' love of tennis
Hewitt and Groth took out a 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 7-5 win over US Open champions Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau on Show Court 2 on Saturday night.
Securing their place in the third round, the celebrations brought about a rousing reception from the packed crowd.
Even the fans at home were loving it:
Watching Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth is priceless. Bring back Lleyton!!!🤷🏼♀️ #howgood #AusOpen
— Samantha Chiari (@samanthachiari) January 20, 2018
Hewitt and Groth dream continues, seemed like a decent party on sc2 #AusOpen
— David Hards (@hardsy05) January 20, 2018
Awesome stuff Hewitt & Groth! #AusOpen
— Wayne S (@WDSellers) January 20, 2018
HEWITT & GROTH YAAASSSSSS #ausopen 🤩🤩🤩
— Chelsea Uren (@chelsea_jane09) January 20, 2018
I LOVE HEWITT X GROTH WHAT A PAIR 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽💚💛 #AusOpen
— Sophie Taylor 🏳️🌈 (@sophieettaylor) January 20, 2018
The performances of the 36-year-old Hewitt have surprised fans after he originally retired with a body broken from years of injuries and surgeries.
Every match the pairing win extends Groth's career an extra day, though he is still alive in the mixed doubles with former Australian No.1 Sam Stosur.
Groth and Hewitt grabbed a walk-off win against Pablo Andujar and injury-hit Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Sunday to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.