Alex de Minaur bested 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt to advance to the quarterfinal at Mubadala DC Open in Washington on Thursday. De Minaur defeated his compatroit — son of former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt — 6-2, 6-3. 

Alex raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, breaking his opponent twice and from there on, it was one-way traffic. After their 61-minute clash, De Minaur admitted he wasn’t expecting to face Hewitt this early on the tour.

“It was definitely weird,” De Minaur said in his on-court interview. “I knew I was going to play him on the Tour some day, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week. It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up. I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”

The Australian had earlier defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, earning only his second win against the Greek in 14 meetings.

De Minaur will next face American Brandon Nakashima, who earlier upset seventh seed Jakub Mensik 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4 to reach his second consecutive Washington quarter-final.

On the other hand, Ben Shelton defeated Ugo Humbert 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in a rollercoaster match that lasted two hours and 27 minutes. Shelton tipped Washington as one of the best atmospheres for tennis on the tour.

“I’m addicted to stuff like this: playing in these atmospheres and these types of matches,” Shelton said. “[Washington] is one of the best atmospheres in tennis 100 per cent.”

Shelton admitted both players played at a high level and he was delighted to go through to the next round.

“I though it was a great level we played out there tonight and it was even better to come out with the win,” Shelton said. “Just grateful for another chance to play here in D.C. on a Friday night”.

The American will next take on Alejandro Tabilo on Friday.