Shades of his father: Lleyton Hewitt's son Cruz makes Australian Open junior debut with blast from the past signature backward cap style

Monday, 22 January 2024 at 03:30

15-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, made his Grand Slam junior debut at the 2024 Australian Open, on the very court where his father played his maiden main draw match at the same age. Despite entering the competition with a wild card, the young tennis player faced a formidable challenge in the form of the 6th seed, Alexander Razeghi, ultimately succumbing to a 6-2, 6-3 defeat.

Under the watchful eye of his two-times Grand Slam champion father, Cruz Hewitt sported his cap backward, embodying the same fighting spirit as his dad, refusing to concede any points easily. Currently ranked No. 201 in the ITF junior rankings, the young Australian has two more years of eligibility to compete in the junior tournament based on his age.

Cruz Hewitt will have another opportunity to showcase his skills in the tournament as he pairs up with his partner Lachlan McFadzean in the doubles draw. Their debut match will see them facing the same opponent, Razeghi, and Hayden Jones in the first round. It's a continuation of the Hewitt legacy, and tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the young prodigy's journey in the sport.

Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open

The former world No. 1 competed in the tournament on 20 occasions between 1997 and 2016, amassing a record of 32 wins and 20 losses. Hewitt's standout performance came in 2005 when he reached the final but fell to the Russian former world No. 1, Marat Safin, in a closely contested match that concluded 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6. Additionally, the Australian reached the fourth round in Melbourne on six other occasions.

The 42-year-old former tennis star still holds the record for the youngest qualifier at the Australian Open, achieving this milestone at the age of 15 years and 11 months in 1997. During that edition, Hewitt received a wild card and secured three consecutive victories to advance to the main draw, only to face a first-round defeat against the Spanish former world No. 3, Sergi Bruguera.

Bastien Fachan

@BastienFachan

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A sight to behold... Cruz Hewitt, Tennis Hall of Famer Lleyton Hewitt's 15-year-old son, playing the Australian Open Boys' event! Sporting his cap backwards, just like dad 🧢

2:42 AM · Jan 21, 2024

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

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