This was the ideal, made-for-TV event of the beginning of a farewell tour. An Aussie champion, another Aussie over the net, a challenging enough game for wild fist pumps, then a comfortable win. 
It was as Lleyton Hewitt would have asked for in his last Australian Open, and seemingly his last ever tournament. A three set victory - 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 - over James Duckworth.
It was easy to forget this was the 129th ranked player against the 308th ... on a packed centre court. And the 308th ranked player was the one everyone came to see.
Lleyton Hewitt, the former number one and dual grand slam winner, is not at 34 years of age and in his last tournament, a serious contender for this tournament. This was more about the ride and seeing how long he can squeeze it out. For now it was also about indulging the moment, for him and for those who like to watch him - of which there are yet many.
It felt more like a caravan park on Australia Day than centre court: Aussie champion draped in Aussie Flag shirt and Aussie flags adorning any unclaimed corner of space. Michael Gleeson