At just 16 years old, Cruz Hewitt is already making waves in the tennis world. The son of Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt may have lost his opening match at the Canberra International, but he didn’t lose the admiration of fans and tennis insiders alike. With his booming serve, flashy forehand, and the same never-say-die attitude his dad was famous for, Cruz has people wondering: could he be the next big name in Australian tennis?
As he works to carve out his own path, Cruz has some big shoes to fill—but he seems more than ready for the challenge. From wildcard entries to time spent training with legends, this young star’s journey is just beginning. Let’s dive into who Cruz Hewitt is, his achievements so far, and what’s next for this rising tennis talent.
Who is Cruz Hewitt
Cruz Hewitt is the son of former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt and actress Bec Hewitt. Born into tennis royalty, Cruz has been hitting the court since he was a child. His early years were filled with unique opportunities, like practising with Roger Federer at the age of six and spending time at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
Now 16, Cruz is starting to establish his own identity in the sport. He’s currently ranked junior World No. 107 and senior World No. 1264, with two ITF junior titles under his belt this year. While his father’s influence and connections have helped open doors, Cruz is determined to prove himself on his own merits.
How is Cruz Hewitt performing on the court?
Cruz recently competed in the Canberra International, where he was defeated in the first round of qualifying by Brandon Holt, the 26-year-old son of former women’s World No. 1 Tracy Austin. Despite the loss, Cruz showcased his potential by leading 5-2 in the first set and earning two set points in the tiebreaker. While his inexperience showed, his resilience and court coverage earned him plenty of praise.
This loss hasn’t dimmed his ambitions, though. Cruz has been granted a wildcard entry into the Australian Open qualifying draw, just as his father was at the same age back in 1997. To make it into the main draw, Cruz will need to win three consecutive matches, a feat his dad achieved on his way to becoming the youngest qualifier in Australian Open history.
What makes Cruz Hewitt stand out?
Cruz’s game is already drawing comparisons to his father’s, especially when it comes to his fighting spirit and adaptability. His serve is considered a major weapon, bolstered by a growth spurt that now has him towering over his dad’s 178 cm frame. Tennis insiders have also taken notice of his flashy forehand and strong on-court instincts, even if consistency is still a work in progress.
Unlike many young players, Cruz has the added advantage of learning from some of the best in the game. His father’s connections have allowed him to train with legendary coaches like Tony Roche and Peter Luczak, giving him insights that most young players can only dream of.
What’s next for Cruz Hewitt
Cruz has set his sights on qualifying for the Australian Open’s main draw this January, but he’s also gearing up to compete in the junior tournament if his qualifying run doesn’t pan out. After a stellar 30-10 season this year, he’s building momentum and gaining valuable experience against higher-ranked opponents.
While comparisons to his father are inevitable, Cruz seems unfazed by the pressure. As he recently said, “It just drives me to be better.” With his talent, work ethic, and support system, Cruz is on track to make a name for himself—and maybe even create his own tennis legacy.
