Cruz Hewitt, the son of Australian tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt, made headlines at the Australian Open junior tournament, showcasing promising talent and determination during his campaign. Competitively debuting on January 20, 2025, the 16-year-old cruised through the first round, triumphing over South Korean qualifier MooBeen Kim with ease, wrapping up the match with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-3. This victory marked Cruz's first win at such prestigious tournaments, setting the stage for what many hope will be the beginning of his own legacy.
Motivated by his father's rich tennis history, Cruz displayed not only skill but also poise under pressure, earning enthusiastic support from the crowd and drawing on the legacy of his father. Lleyton, who is also the captain of Australia's Davis Cup team, watched proudly from the stands, reinforcing the sense of family pride as Cruz executed moves reminiscent of his father's gameplay.
Following his first-round success, Cruz found himself matched against the top seed of the tournament, Jan Kumstat, on January 22, 2025. Facing such formidable competition was certainly no small task, but Cruz rose to the occasion. Despite the eventual loss, he pushed Kumstat, only narrowly dropping the match 3-6, 6-7 (7-9). His ability to fight for points, especially during the tiebreaker, which saw him save set points and push the world No. 1 junior to the limit, highlighted his potential and tenacity.
The moment echoed with Lleyton's own trademark passion, as he clenched his fists and shouted encouragement from the sideline. "Cruz is playing well at the moment and it makes me excited when I see him hit with some of these world-class players," Lleyton stated post-match. This reflection on his son's performance drew attention to the high expectations Cruz faces, being under the shadow of his father's storied career.
Despite his defeat, Cruz’s performance has earned him commendations from spectators and commentators alike. Todd Woodbridge, Australian tennis legend, defended him against any allegations of nepotism, stating, "Cruz is deserving of his opportunities due to his incredible talent and hard work." This backing is especially significant as Cruz grapples with criticisms stemming from his lineage—skepticism often veiled under the term 'nepotism'—in trying to forge his own path.
Former pro and sports psychologist Alan Mantle emphasized the importance of resilience, advising Cruz to rise above criticism. "Nepotism is a very hurtful word... I’d be very surprised if favours were being done for sons or daughters of famous parents," he remarked, encouraging Cruz to focus on his merit alone and filter out negative commentary.
Cruz's first match saw him display impressive athleticism, pounding out five aces, achieving speed up to 187 km/h, and scoring 14 winners. The compelling statistics supported his aggressive gameplay, even against more seasoned opponents. Charmingly, he even mirrored Ben Shelton’s memorable “hang up the phone” celebration after his first-round win, later engaging with the audience through his father's iconic 'C’mon' gesture.
Despite the early exit from the tournament, Cruz takes home valuable experience and lessons gleaned from playing against Kumstat and engaging with fans who turned out to support. Each match during the tournament, according to Lleyton, was another step for Cruz, bringing him closer to the competitiveness needed to thrive on the main tours.
Looking back at Cruz's stellar junior campaign, it becomes evident he possesses the flair, fight, and pedigree to potentially carry forward the Hewitt tennis legacy. If he maintains this level of performance, he could soon be among the ranks of those competing for titles at major tournaments. The crowd's enthusiasm and the confidence expressed by commentators and supporters form the backdrop to what is certain to be just the beginning of Cruz’s tennis story.