**Wimbledon Icon’s Son Makes Winning Start in Junior Draw Amid Controversy**
The tradition of sporting excellence appears to be alive and well in the Hewitt family, as Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, has celebrated his first victory at the iconic All England Club. Taking part in the junior competition for the very first time, Cruz made an emphatic statement with a straight-sets dismantling of Russian opponent Savva Rybkin, posting a 6-1, 6-2 win to announce his arrival in typically assertive fashion.
The promising Australian talent will now shift his sights to a second-round clash against Finland’s Oskari Paldanius, aiming to further his progress on the hallowed grass courts. This opening victory quickly hints that Cruz’s apparent affinity for the surface and the atmosphere at SW19 might well be more than familial nostalgia—perhaps even foretelling a bright future in the sport, should he continue on his current path.
Despite the clouds of suspicion sometimes cast over the offspring of sporting legends—with murmurs of undue advantage or nepotism—Cruz has been quick to assert his independence on court. Observers have drawn parallels between his game and that of his celebrated father, who last played professionally nearly a decade ago, but Cruz’s results are increasingly speaking for themselves.
Reflecting on his debut win, Cruz shared his thoughts with Australian publication the *Sydney Morning Herald*, calling it “a great day.” He expressed gratitude for his father’s support, saying, “Dad was proud. It was great to have him there. I’ve watched my dad play these courts countless times, and now it’s finally my chance to enjoy it from the other side.” He also acknowledged both the pressure and privilege of being linked to a tennis legend, stating: “There are ups and downs that come with it, but I try to focus on the positives.”
Cruz’s journey to this stage began in earnest during his first forays onto the Challenger Tour last August. His rapid progression has not been without controversy, notably when he was granted a wildcard entry into the Australian Open qualifiers earlier in the year. That decision sparked debate—most vocally from fellow Australian and tour star Nick Kyrgios, who suggested that the younger Hewitt had received special treatment. “Love ya Cruz but this is wild,” Kyrgios commented at the time—a remark that fuelled further conversation about fairness and opportunity in the sport.
Nevertheless, Cruz responded to such criticism by showing spirit and resilience in his matches. Although he lost to former world number 16 Nikoloz Basilashvili in his debut on the main stage, his tenacity saw him reach the second round in the junior event at Melbourne Park. His determination remained undiminished even after a first-round defeat in the Junior French Open, setting him up for this current Wimbledon campaign.
Notably, Cruz Hewitt now sits at 826th in the global junior rankings, with key points gained through his performances at both the Challenger and Australian Open tournaments. His ATP Tour debut still lies ahead, while his father’s breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2002, overcoming Argentina’s David Nalbandian, remains etched in the annals of Australian tennis history. Lleyton Hewitt’s additional triumph at the 2001 US Open solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greats, a shadow that Cruz acknowledges but aims not to be defined by.
Lleyton, who retired from singles play in 2016 and from doubles in 2020, is openly supportive of his son’s path. Reflecting on Cruz’s journey, he remarked, “It’s a long path, but an exciting one. I’m thrilled to watch him develop and compete with elite players such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alex de Minaur. These are exceptional role models, and the experience is invaluable for Cruz.”
As the spotlight intensifies and second-round action looms, the younger Hewitt’s progress will be closely watched—not only as a test of his talent but also as a glimpse into whether greatness on Centre Court might again run in the family. The world of tennis, it seems, will be watching the next chapter unfold with no shortage of interest, and perhaps, just a touch of nostalgia.