LONDON — Australia’s Cruz Hewitt made a triumphant debut at Wimbledon’s junior championships, securing a first-round victory 23 years after his father, former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, lifted the men’s singles trophy at the All England Club.
The 15-year-old wildcard, competing in his first Grand Slam junior event, defeated 17th-seeded American Kaylan Bigun 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 in a hard-fought battle on Court 14. The win marks a significant milestone for the Hewitt family, reigniting memories of Lleyton’s historic 2002 Wimbledon triumph.
A Legacy Continues
Cruz’s victory carries extra weight given his father’s storied career. Lleyton Hewitt, now Australia’s Davis Cup captain, remains the last Australian man to win Wimbledon, defeating David Nalbandian in straight sets in the 2002 final. "It’s surreal watching Cruz out there," Lleyton told reporters after the match. "I’m just proud of how he handled himself. He’s worked incredibly hard for this moment."
The younger Hewitt showcased a game reminiscent of his father’s—aggressive baseline play, sharp returns, and relentless intensity. Key moments from his debut included:
- A clutch break at 4-4 in the first set
- Saving three set points in the second-set tiebreak
- Dominating the decider with a 90% first-serve win rate
Early Promise
Cruz, currently ranked No. 102 in the ITF junior rankings, has been steadily rising through the ranks. Earlier this year, he reached the semifinals of the JA Milan tournament and won his first junior title in Traralgon. His Wimbledon wildcard was awarded based on his rapid development and strong performances in Australian junior circuits.
Tennis analysts have noted his mature court sense and adaptability. "He doesn’t rely solely on power," said former player Sam Groth. "Like Lleyton, he reads the game well and fights for every point. That’s a Hewitt trademark."
Family Support
Lleyton and his wife, actress Bec Hewitt, were courtside for Cruz’s match, alongside his siblings Mia and Ava. Bec later shared an emotional post on Instagram: "So proud of our boy. The hours of training, the sacrifices—it’s all worth it for moments like this."
Next Challenge
Cruz will face Czech Republic’s Jan Kumstat in the second round. Kumstat, seeded eighth, is a clay-court specialist but less experienced on grass. "I’ll take it one match at a time," Cruz said post-match. "I’m here to learn and compete. Whatever happens, it’s already been an amazing experience."
Should he progress, a potential quarterfinal clash with top-seeded American Cooper Williams looms. Williams, the reigning Australian Open boys’ champion, is considered the tournament favorite.
A New Generation
Cruz isn’t the only second-generation star making waves. Other juniors with famous tennis parents include:
- Leo Borg (son of Björn Borg)
- Dali Blanch (nephew of Mary Pierce)
- Maximus Jones (son of Kelly Jones)
The trend highlights tennis’s enduring family dynasties. "It’s special to see these kids carve their own paths," said Wimbledon referee Gerry Armstrong. "They’ve grown up around the sport, but they’re earning their success."
For now, all eyes remain on Cruz Hewitt. His debut win has already drawn comparisons to a young Lleyton, who first competed at Wimbledon juniors in 1997. Whether he can emulate his father’s senior success remains to be seen, but the journey has undeniably begun.
As Lleyton summed it up: "This is his time. I’m just here to support him and enjoy the ride."