Being a promising junior player at a major grand slam often allows for unique opportunities, such as practicing with seasoned competitors. For Cruz Hewitt at Wimbledon, that meant training alongside British wildcard Arthur Fery, who competed in the semi-finals. The 17-year-old Australian took full advantage of this chance, honing his skills just before his crucial match in the boys’ event.
Hewitt’s preparation paid off as he showcased his well-rounded game, defeating Thijs Boogaard from the Netherlands, a highly regarded junior talent, with a score of 6-4, 6-4, earning him a spot in the final. This marks the first time an Australian has reached the Wimbledon final in a decade, following Alex de Minaur’s achievement, and Hewitt did so without losing a single set throughout the tournament.
Watching from the sidelines was his father, Lleyton Hewitt, a former Wimbledon champion, who expressed his delight with a supportive pat on the back.
“I think he’s pretty proud,”
the young player remarked about his father’s reaction.
He’s happy with how far I’ve come with my mentality, my game style.
Lleyton was known for his fierce intensity on the court, having clinched the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002. Although he is not Cruz’s coach—Wayne Arthurs holds that position—he serves as a mentor and a source of encouragement.
“He’s in my corner,”
Cruz explained.
Yeah, he’s coaching a little bit, but he’s also just there for support. Every time I look over at him, he’s showing me positivity, so that gets me up and about as well. And I use that.
Notably, Cruz observed his father’s unique way of cheering, often clapping at slightly different moments than the rest of the crowd. This technique reminded him of Judy Murray’s support for her son, Andy.
“He’s happy with how far I’ve come with my mentality, my game style.”
Cruz admitted when asked about the resemblance.
Actually, now I’m thinking, maybe he does. Well, if it’s working … keep it going.
Growing up in the shadow of a tennis legend has its ups and downs. While Cruz benefits from his father’s expertise during practice sessions, he also grapples with the weight of expectations that accompany being Lleyton Hewitt’s son.
Despite the pressures, Cruz maintains a balanced demeanor both on and off the court. He remained composed when he faced an early break against Boogaard in the second set, quickly breaking back and winning five out of the next six games to secure victory.
“Yeah, he’s coaching a little bit, but he’s also just there for support. Every time I look over at him, he’s showing me positivity, so that gets me up and about as well. And I use that.”
he said.
I think I, like all my matches this week, was very level-headed. Stayed pretty composed throughout that whole match, and then that allowed me to play good tennis.
Outside of matches, Cruz is personable and relaxed, handling media interactions with ease. After his semi-final win, a growing number of journalists sought his insights, a stark contrast to the solitary Australian reporter who spoke to him following his first-round match.
Cruz acknowledges that being Lleyton’s son is a constant presence in his life, yet he strives to focus on the positives.
“I actually haven’t thought about that,”
he reflected.
I do what I can, block out all the other noise. It doesn’t bother me too much. I just focus on myself and I just try to do my best each day.
Unlike Leo Borg, son of tennis great Björn Borg, who faced similar challenges, Cruz appears to navigate his circumstances with confidence.
“Actually, now I’m thinking, maybe he does. Well, if it’s working … keep it going.”
he said.
Initially, Cruz had concerns about his height potentially limiting his capabilities in the sport. However, he seems to have grown since the Australian Open, estimating his height to be around 6 feet 2 inches. This has contributed positively to his performance, as evidenced by his average first serve speed hitting 120 mph (194 kph) against Boogaard.
With a powerful flat backhand and a strong forehand complementing his serve, Cruz feels most confident on grass courts. He will face Jordan Lee from the United States in the final on Sunday, aiming to surpass De Minaur’s 2016 runner-up finish.
“I’m really happy with my performance,”
Cruz stated.I go out there and back myself and then I leave it all out there.
