Cruz Hewitt 'a carbon copy' of dad Lleyton in impressive Wimbledon debut

One of the most famous surnames in Australian tennis returned to the hallowed turf of Wimbledon on Sunday, with Cruz Hewitt triumphing in his boys' singles debut, 23 years after his father, Lleyton, claimed the men's singles title.

Sporting his dad's trademark backwards cap, the 16-year-old defeated Russian Savva Rybkin 6-1, 6-2 in the first round of the junior boys' competition.

"Same backwards cap, same Yonex racket, same Nike heritage polo, same attitude. A carbon copy," pundit Bastien Fachan wrote on X.

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As Hewitt roared in celebration after winning a crucial point, his dad Lleyton, watching courtside, fist-pumped in agreement.

Following in his famous father's footsteps, Hewitt could one day match his accomplishments, which included his straight sets victory over Argentine David Nalbandian to win the 2002 Wimbledon final.

Hewitt was born six years later.

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Speaking after the match, Hewitt said his first-ever match at Wimbledon was "special" because of his family's history at the iconic venue.

"It was a great feeling. I've watched my dad play here for many years, and I've always wanted to play on these courts, so I was enjoying every moment," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Dad was proud. It was great to have him there. [It's always been] me watching him, and he just said, 'Now you can finally play on the courts and enjoy it', so it was a great day.

"There is nothing you can do about [who your dad is]. It's a little tough, but there are pros and cons, and you've just got to focus on the positives that come with it, so that's what I try and do."

Hewitt will next play Finnish 11th seed Oskari Paldanius in the second round.

Also making his first appearance at Melbourne Park earlier this year, the 16-year-old won his opening match in the Australian Open Juniors before losing his second-round contest to the competition's top seed.

He was given a wildcard entry into qualifying for the men's singles draw but did not progress past the first hurdle.

Ticking off the slams, Hewitt debuted in the Roland-Garros boys' singles draw but lost his opening match in three sets.

Hewitt also teamed up with Britain's Mark Ceban in the boys' doubles tournament at SW19, but was defeated in the first round.