The Australian Open this week witnessed a heartwarming reunion of tennis legacies, as the twin daughters of Swiss maestro Roger Federer shared prime seats with the son of his former Australian rival, Leyton Hewitt.
A New Generation in the Stands
Sixteen-year-old Myla and Charlene Federer, alongside seventeen-year-old Cruz Hewitt, were spotted watching matches at Melbourne Park, drawing significant attention from photographers and fans alike. The trio, embodying the next generation of tennis royalty, presented a united front despite the historic rivalry between their fathers.
Historic Rivalry, Modern Camaraderie
Roger Federer and Leyton Hewitt faced each other twenty-seven times during their illustrious careers, with Federer emerging victorious on eighteen occasions to Hewitt's nine. However, any competitive tension from the past was entirely absent as their offspring enjoyed the tournament together. This display highlights the enduring respect and friendship that often characterises the sport beyond the baseline.
The Federer twins, born in July 2009 just weeks after their father secured his sixth Wimbledon title, were once familiar figures at Grand Slam events alongside their mother, Mirka Vavrinec. Since Federer's retirement in 2022, their public appearances at major tournaments have become less frequent, making this Australian Open sighting particularly notable.
Federer's Family Return to Melbourne
Roger Federer himself has returned to the Australian Open for the first time since 2020, marking a sentimental journey back to the venue where he last competed before ending his historic twenty-four-year career. He has been accompanied by his entire family, including his parents, Lynette and Robert, his wife Mirka, and all four of his children.
In a series of exhibition matches this week, Federer wielded his iconic Wilson racquet once more, offering fans a long-awaited opportunity to bid a formal farewell on Australian soil. His 2020 semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic proved to be his final competitive match at the tournament, making this return a poignant moment for the sporting icon.
Parental Perspectives and Private Lives
Despite their immersion in the tennis world, Federer has been candid about not pushing his children towards professional tennis. He has previously expressed that watching him play did not particularly excite them as youngsters.
"I would be happy if they don't end up being on this court, actually," Federer has said. "I'd rather support them in another sport. Go see them be a super skier. That would be exciting."
True to this sentiment, Myla and Charlene maintain notably private lives. Both daughters have opted for private social media profiles on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, shunning the public spotlight despite the family's glamorous residences, which include a lavish villa on Lake Zurich and a luxurious chalet in the Graubünden mountains.
Forging Separate Paths
While Cruz Hewitt is actively pursuing his own tennis career under the watchful eyes of the media, the Federer twins appear content with a more reserved existence. Their presence at the Australian Open this week, however, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy their father has built within the sport.
Federer reflected on the emotional significance of his return, telling reporters, "I feel good to rip the band-aid off and show up on a big court like Rod Laver Arena. I need to get out there, because it's too easy and too convenient just to stay home."
This gathering of tennis's next generation, set against the backdrop of Federer's celebratory return, beautifully illustrates the sport's unique ability to connect past, present, and future through shared passion and mutual respect.
