"He's 16 and you're 29...pathetic" - Fans slam Nick Kyrgios over comments on Lleyton Hewitt's son Cruz practicing with Jannik Sinner

Nick Kyrgios shared his opinion on Cruz Hewitt, son of Australian legend Lleyton Hewitt, practicing with Jannik Sinner ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. However, his comments drew backlash from tennis fans worldwide.

Kyrgios has been a staunch critic of Jannik Sinner ever since the Italian escaped a ban after testing positive for the banned substance, Clostebol. Since then, he has consistently voiced his disapproval, often taking aim at anything connected to the World No. 1.

One such instance occurred on Saturday, January 4, when Kyrgios commented on an Instagram post by Cruz. The post featured two pictures, including a childhood snapshot of him with Sinner alongside a recent practice session picture. The Aussie hinted at feelings of betrayal, implying that the situation left him heartbroken.

Fans were quick to express their displeasure on social media. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:

"The clown Nick Kyrgios is now bullying Cruz Hewitt on his Insta post where he posted a picture with Jannik Sinner. Imagine bullying a 16-year-old kid. I hope this scumbag's wrist flares up and he gets another injury before AO. He deserves everything that is coming his way."

One Instagram user commented:

"He's 16 and you are 29 man. This is pathetic."

"Please block Kyrgios, Cruz. His online harassment of Jannik has crossed every type of boundary you could think of. Fantastic pictures," another joined in.

Fan reactions via @cruzhewitt's Instagram post

One X account tweeted:

"What a f**king loser and a creep."

Another chimed in, posting:

"All of the past greats of Australian tennis despise Kyrgios and he knows it, so this is probably displaced hostility to Lleyton Hewitt."

"Imagine bullying a kid! why is ATP or Lleyton not doing anything," one fan shared.

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Nick Kyrgios, Jannik Sinner and Cruz Hewitt to play in Australian Open 2025

Jannik Sinner and Nick Kyrgios pictured at the 2022 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty

Nick Kyrgios, Jannik Sinner, and Cruz Hewitt are all set to compete at the Australian Open, scheduled from January 12 to January 26. Kyrgios will participate using a protected ranking of World No. 21, Cruz has been granted a qualifying wild card, and Sinner is set to enter the tournament as the top seed.

It will be Sinner's first tournament of 2025 and Kyrgios' second. The Aussie made a highly anticipated return to tennis after an 18-month hiatus at the Brisbane International, competing in both singles and doubles. However, he was unable to make a deep run in either event.

Kyrgios has also made it clear that if he faces Sinner in Melbourne, he plans to create a raucous atmosphere and rally the crowd against the Italian. It’s shaping up to be an intense showdown if their paths cross.