Hewitt's surprise call-up as son makes slam debut
One of the most famous surnames in Australian tennis history returned to Melbourne Park on Sunday, with teenager Cruz Hewitt – the son of Lleyton – making his boys’ singles debut at the Australian Open.
After earning a wildcard into the tournament, the 15-year-old took on Alexander Razeghi, who is the No.6 seed for the junior event and ranked 10th in the world, in the first round.
With several rain delays drawing out the match, Hewitt was defeated by Razeghi 6-2, 6-3.
LIVE COVERAGE: Australian Open 2024, day eight updates
Cruz Hewitt competes against Alexander Razeghi in their first-round singles match during the 2024 Australian Open Junior Championships.
Missed opportunities and mistakes proved Hewitt’s downfall as he tallied 38 unforced errors to Razeghi’s 13.
Hewitt also struggled to put himself in a position to break with the American acquiring seven break-point opportunities compared to his sole opening-game break of Razeghi’s serve.
Speaking ahead of the match on Nine’s broadcast, Lleyton expressed his pride but put the brakes on some of the hype around Cruz, reiterating the lengthy journey ahead of him.
“I’m just unbelievably proud, to be honest,” he said.
Hewitt then revealed he had been asked to help Cruz prepare for his first match himself, rather than his regular coach, Peter Luczak.
“He wanted me to go out and warm him up. He’s got a coach …. (but) they asked me last night if I would go out and warm him up this morning,” Hewitt said.
Lleyton and Cruz Hewitt play doubles during an Alex de Minaur training session.
“It’s just a really special moment, my first ever main draw match at the Australian Open was actually out on Show Court 3 as well.
Watch the 2024 Australian Open live and exclusive on Nine, 9Now and ad-free on Stan Sport
“He’s been around the traps, but he’s worked extremely hard to get this opportunity. He is playing well, but he is still very young.
“This is all a learning experience and that’s what the junior event is all about. He’s been fortunate enough to get a wildcard and hopefully, he goes out there and has a lot of fun.”