By winning his first ITF juniors title, 13-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of Australian tennis great Lleyton Hewitt, is beginning to create his own waves in the sport.
Cruz was a charming toddler who used to wow the audience in Melbourne Park every summer with his shockingly bright blonde curls a few years ago, but now, the son of the Australian Legend is growing up fast.
Cruz Hewitt defeated 17-year-old Cristian Care, the tournament's top seed, in the final 2-6 7-5 3-0 to claim his first International Tennis Federation (ITF) J5 tournament title in Lautoka, Fiji after Care retired in the decider.
Lleyton Hewitt qualified for the Australian Open at the age of 15 years and 11 months, becoming the youngest player to do so. The two-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 thinks that additional competitive tournaments would expose many up-and-coming athletes, saying so when in attendance at the event in Fiji.
“I think it is important to try and get the best possible facilities in order to give the kids and locals the best opportunity they can have,” he said.
Cruz has previously triumphed at Canberra's Australian 12-and-under Clay Court Championship. He won five matches without dropping a set, and he and Asher Brownrigg also took home the doubles crown.
13-year-old Cruz Hewitt (ITF Jr. #1223), son of Hall of Famer @LleytonHewitt, wins his first ITF juniors title as he beats 17-yo top seed Cristian Care (ITF Jr. #408) 2-6 7-5 3-0 ret. in the final of the J5 Lautoka in Fiji. For comparison, papa Lleyton won his first title at 16.
