Cruz Hewitt vying for Australian Open wildcard spot as comparisons to dad Lleyton grow
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Cruz Hewitt is on the brink of an Australian Open qualifying wildcard for next month's tournament.
The son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, 16-year-old Cruz was awarded a wildcard to the junior boys events last year, but went down to sixth-seeded American Alexander Razeghi 6-2, 6-3.
The Age reports that Tennis Australia is weighing up handing him a wildcard entry.
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It means the qualification on Hewitt's end would be pretty straight forward.
Win three matches against ATP-level opponents and make the main draw.
Cruz Hewitt of Australia competes against Alexander Razeghi. Future Publishing via Getty Imag
But before any talk of an Australian Open debut kicks off, Hewitt's father confirmed he has another tournament to focus on.
Hewitt will be playing in the ITF junior event in Traralgon, also next month, as well as the Australian Open junior boys tournament.
"We'll just see whatever other opportunities there are," the grand slam winner said.
Cruz was nominated for the male junior player of the year at the Australian Tennis Awards on Monday, but lost out to 18-year-old Hayden Jones.
Lleyton Hewitt, Cruz Hewitt and Bec Hewitt arrive prior to the 2024 Newcombe Medal. Getty Images for Tennis Australi
It hasn't stopped the 16-year-old from dreaming big, as he continues to draw comparisons to his famous father.
"They (comparisons) have already been there since he picked up a racquet," Lleyton said. "He's got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun. He's doing great so far."
And lucky for Cruz, he's been able to hang with some of Australia's tennis greats, as he navigates what he hopes will be a long and successful career.
Jordan Thompson, Cruz Hewitt, Alex de Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia cheer on their teammates Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell of Australia during the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. Getty Images for ITF
"It's good that he gets to hang out with a lot of his idols as well – guys like Alex de Minaur, who he can look up to and get to hit with. It's pretty special," Lleyton said.
It would not be shocking if the freshly 16-year-old was to nab a wildcard, considering eight Australian men and nine women were given the same opportunity in 2024.
One of those was 18-year-old Jones, who is currently Australia's top-ranked junior.
