Melbourne, Australia – In a heartwarming continuation of tennis legacy, Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, has been awarded a wildcard to the Australian Open qualifying tournament. This marks a significant milestone in Cruz’s budding career as he follows in his father’s footsteps.
Lleyton Hewitt, who made his own Australian Open debut as a 15-year-old wildcard in 1997, expressed his excitement and support for his son’s achievement. “It’s a great opportunity for Cruz to gain valuable experience and showcase his talent on such a big stage,” said Lleyton.
Cruz, who has been making waves on the junior circuit, will now face the challenge of winning three matches against ATP-level opponents to secure a spot in the main draw. This opportunity comes after Cruz’s impressive performance in the ITF junior events and his nomination for the male junior player of the year at the Australian Tennis Awards.
The young Hewitt has already drawn comparisons to his father, known for his tenacity and fighting spirit on the court. “He’s got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun,” Lleyton added, emphasizing the importance of Cruz enjoying the journey.
As Cruz prepares for his Australian Open qualifying debut, the tennis community eagerly watches to see if he can emulate his father’s success and make a name for himself in the world of professional tennis.