Cruz Hewitt’s Australian Open debut blows tennis world away

With a backwards cap and a very familiar two-handed backhand, Lleyton Hewitt’s teenage son has made his Australian Open debut.

The resemblance to his famous dad is undeniable. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Twenty-seven years after a pony-tailed Lleyton Hewitt made his Australian Open debut, another Hewitt has officially made a mark at the year’s opening grand slam.

Hewitt’s 15-year-old son Cruz made his debut in the junior boys’ singles on Sunday, taking on American sixth seed Alexander Razeghi.

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With the backwards cap and almost identical two-handed backhand, Cruz is the spitting image of his famous father Lleyton, a former world No. 1 and two-time grand slam champion.

Granted a wildcard into the tournament, Cruz Hewitt is the youngest player in the draw and was outclassed by Razeghi, losing 6-2 6-3 in 1 hour and 26 minutes.

But the match will be an invaluable learning curve for the blond youngster, who had a warm-up with dad before the match, which took place on a packed Show Court 3 at Melbourne Park.

“Just unbelievably proud, to be honest,” Lleyton Hewitt said on Channel 9 before the match.

The resemblance to his famous dad is undeniable. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Dad Lleyton (bottom left) and mum Bec (top right) were in the stands. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“They asked me late last night if I would go out and warm him up this morning on Show Court 3. Just a really special moment.

“My first ever main draw match at the Australian Open was actually out on Show Court 3 as well.

“Just some great memories coming back of me playing here. He’s been around the traps, but he’s worked extremely hard to get this opportunity. He is playing well.”

Cruz would have enjoyed some of the “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” rallying cries that came his way as dad Lleyton and mum Bec watched on.

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 🧢 pic.twitter.com/8rXFJCokEo

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 21, 2024

Cruz Hewitt just serve-volleyed to great effect and finished it off with a shovelled slice forehand down the line to win the point and so the changing of the guard is complete. 😂

— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) January 21, 2024

He had some moments, thrilling the crowd with some solid serves and winners off both sides.

But the bigger, stronger 17-year-old Razeghi was too good this time around.

“It’s all over, too much experience here today for the wildcard Cruz Hewitt,” a commentator said after match point.

“Razeghi just looked emotionally in control, physically bigger and with a lot more matches under his belt.

“Unforced errors were a big problem for Hewitt, but good to see Cruz Hewitt getting an opportunity at the Australian Open.”

15yo Cruz Hewitt out in Juniors R1 to one of the top seeds.

Interestingly, his best shot at this level is actually his first serve. Technique similar to Kyrgios'. pic.twitter.com/a3SuUR42kr

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 21, 2024

15yr old junior wild Card @ the AO 💙 @cruzhewitt you played well. Not the result you wanted but U looked like you enjoyed the experience🥰 especially since your opponent was 2yrs older than you! just xciting to see a Hewitt @ the AO once more 💪. Well done ,
2-6, 3-6 #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/csgCW8TXFU

— Lisa 🇦🇺 (@Leese12) January 21, 2024

While he fell short, Cruz got plenty of encouragement from the crowd as he makes the first small steps on his tennis journey.

“He’s still very young. This is all a learning experience,” Lleyton said.

“That’s what the junior event is all about.

“You want to get the opportunity to play here in seniors one day.

“He’s been fortunate enough to get a wildcard and hopefully goes out, has a lot of fun.”