Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, made his Australian Open debut in the first round of qualifying at Melbourne Park, but ultimately fell short, losing 6-1, 6-4 to former top-20 player Nikoloz Basilashvili. Despite the loss, Cruz showed flashes of promise in front of a near-packed Court 3, drawing a significant crowd that included his parents, Lleyton and Bec, along with his coach Peter Luczak and top-ranked Australian player Alex de Minaur.
The first set was a tough one for Cruz, who was broken twice and found himself trailing 0-5. However, the teenager displayed resilience and managed to hold serve in the next game, prompting a cheer from the crowd. This moment of recovery hinted at the potential that has made him a promising figure in Australian tennis. The crowd, eager to see the Hewitt legacy continue, rallied behind him, with chants of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” as Cruz fought to stay competitive.
Although Basilashvili, who is making a comeback after undergoing multiple surgeries on his arm, was clearly the more experienced player, Cruz showed improvement in the second set. He began to handle Basilashvili’s powerful groundstrokes better and even managed to break his opponent’s serve. The loudest cheer of the match came when Cruz broke back, showing that he could rise to the occasion despite being outclassed overall.
Cruz’s game, still developing, is marked by some of the same qualities that made his father a tennis icon. His aggressive forehand and determination to keep fighting were evident, and while his backhand and movement still need refinement, his potential is clear. The match was a historic moment for the Hewitt family, and while Cruz’s journey at this tournament ended early, the experience of playing in front of a home crowd was invaluable.
In addition to the on-court drama, the atmosphere in the stands was charged with anticipation. The Hewitt family was clearly proud of Cruz, with his mother, Bec, managing the logistics of the box and his father offering quiet encouragement. The young player’s poise and determination under pressure hinted at a bright future, even if this match was a reminder of the gap between him and seasoned professionals like Basilashvili.
The decision to grant Cruz a wildcard into the qualifying rounds was met with some skepticism, but his performance against a player of Basilashvili’s caliber demonstrated that the choice was justified. The crowd’s support, combined with Cruz’s ability to rise to the challenge, suggests that Australian tennis fans may have a new young star to follow in the coming years.
While Cruz Hewitt may not have secured a win this time, his debut at the Australian Open marked the beginning of what could be a promising career. With the backing of his family and a growing fanbase, Cruz will likely continue to develop his game and could soon be a regular fixture on the ATP Tour.
