Melbourne - Spain's Fernando Gonzalez crushed the home hopes of Lleyton Hewitt as he dumped the former finalist out in the first round of the Australian Open 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Tuesday.

The second-day shock at Melbourne Park derailed the 27-year-old Hewitt's plans as he played his home major for the 13th time.

He had not lost in the first round at Melbourne Park since 2002. It is the first time since the 2000 Open that he has not been seeded at a Grand Slam.

The number 70 Australian underwent hip surgery in August and made his return to play a fortnight ago at the Hopman Cup.

He reached the quarter-finals last week in Sydney against David Nalbandian. (dpa)