Video of Cruz Hewitt and Federer goes viral as tennis’ next generation grows up
Source: YouTube/Tennis Australia
As Cruz Hewitt, son of former world No1 Lleyton eyes the Australian Open as his next tilt at emulating his father, an 11-year-old video has gone viral.
Hewitt fell agonisingly short of claiming the Wimbledon crown on Monday morning (Australian time) in what was likely his last tournament as a junior.
The 17-year-old, who lost to American Jordan Lee in the final, says he has set his sights on the Australian Open men’s daw and a 2027 return to Wimbledon, where his father won the men’s title in 2002.
Cruz came agonisingly close to a Wimbledon title. Photo: AAP
Ahead of the final, footage of a six-year-old Cruz taking on then No.1 Roger Federer in a Sydney warmup went viral. Asked about it following his Wimbledon loss, Cruz declared his younger version would be happy with his progress.
“That was the kid with the dream to play at Wimbledon and make the final,” he said.
“It’s been a very special week for me, I’ve played some really good tennis.”
Many tennis watchers who were contemplating their age as Cruz took to the court in London were left wondering where the time had gone when images showed him being congratulated this week by Myla and Charlene Federer – the 16-year-old twin daughters of Roger Federer.
“I grew up around this tournament, seeing my dad play here and it’s a privilege playing on any court here. It’s been a really good atmosphere all week,” Cruz said.
Lleyton Hewitt and Federer shared a fierce rivalry on the court before the Swiss star went on to win 20 grand slam titles in his 24-year career.
But while Federer and Hewitt were adversaries on the court, their young families formed a close bond following their parents on the world ATP circuit.
Cruz was spotted sitting with Myla and Charlene during the Australian Open in January and the three were spotted together again at Wimbledon ahead of the junior boys’ final.
Currently ranked 606th in the world, Cruz will need more wins to make the man’s draw at the Australian Open. But he does hope a wildcard could lead to him making his men’s grand slam debut at Melbourne in January.
“That would be the dream and that’s a big goal of mine, and I feel like I I can show my level,” he said.
Want to see more stories from The New Daily in your Google search results?
- Click here to set The New Daily as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "The New Daily". That's it.
