The Australian Open is set to welcome a familiar surname back to Melbourne Park in 2025, but this time it’s the next generation stepping into the spotlight. Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of former world No.1 and two-time grand slam champion Lleyton Hewitt, has been awarded a wildcard into the qualifying draw as he aims to make his first appearance in the main draw of a major.
The teenage Hewitt is currently ranked No. 107 in the ITF junior rankings but is already being touted as one of Australia’s brightest young tennis prospects. Standing tall and armed with a game style reminiscent of his famous father, many believe Cruz has the potential to follow in Lleyton’s footsteps and forge a successful professional career.
Lleyton’s Legacy
Lleyton Hewitt famously burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old wildcard at the Australian Open in 1997, going on a stunning run through qualifying to reach the main draw. It marked the start of an immensely successful career that saw Hewitt reach world No. 1, win Wimbledon and the US Open, and become a Davis Cup hero for Australia.
Ever since he picked up a racket, the comparisons have been there.
Lleyton Hewitt on the inevitable comparisons between him and Cruz
Now, 28 years later, Lleyton’s legacy looms large as Cruz attempts to make a name for himself. The comparisons are inescapable, but to his credit, the younger Hewitt is embracing it so far.
It is what it is, I don’t really mind. It just drives me to be better.
Cruz Hewitt on being compared to his famous father
Australian Tennis’ Next Big Thing?
For Australian tennis fans, the emergence of Cruz Hewitt is a tantalizing prospect. The nation has been yearning for its next male grand slam singles champion since Lleyton’s triumph at Wimbledon in 2002. Could Cruz be the one to finally end the drought?
Of course, it’s still very early days in Cruz’s fledgling career and the path from junior phenom to professional success is notoriously treacherous. But if early indications and his famous surname are anything to go by, Cruz has the potential to be Australian tennis’ next big thing.
Making His Mark
For now, Cruz’s focus will be on taking the initial steps in his professional journey, starting with this wildcard opportunity at his home grand slam. While he failed to get past the first round in the junior event last year, the experience of competing at Melbourne Park will no doubt prove invaluable.
Should he successfully navigate qualifying, Cruz would not only make his main draw debut, but also secure his first ever professional ranking points. It would be a significant milestone in what many believe will be a long and prosperous career.
Regardless of his Australian Open results in 2025 though, Cruz Hewitt’s is a name we should get used to hearing more and more in tennis circles. Armed with the weight of expectation but also the benefit of Lleyton’s experience to lean on, Cruz has all the ingredients to make his own mark on the sport his family name is synonymous with.
Only time will tell if Cruz can reach the same lofty heights as his father, or even surpass them, but rest assured, his journey will be one we will all be watching with great interest. The Australian Open could prove to be the launchpad for the next chapter in the Hewitt family’s illustrious tennis story.
