Cruz Hewitt, the son of tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, is making waves at Wimbledon. At just 17 years old, he's reached the junior boys' final, mirroring his father's path to success at the All England Club. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering the young star's rapid rise through the ranks. Cruz's journey began by following his father around during his final days on tour, and now he's one of the best junior prospects globally.
What makes Cruz's performance even more impressive is his ability to handle pressure. He secured his most significant win of the week in the semi-finals against top Dutch junior Thijs Boogaard, who had recently impressed at an ATP event in his home country. Cruz's victory was his fourth consecutive win over seeded opposition, and he's the first Australian to reach the Wimbledon boys' final in a decade. His performance has not gone unnoticed, with increasing attention from fans, peers, and international media.
Cruz's coaching partnership with former Davis Cup hero Wayne Arthurs has been instrumental in his development. His strengths lie in his serve and forehand, often combined with a mature shot selection and comfortable movement forward. These skills, coupled with his ability to handle pressure, have made him a formidable force on the court. The great Andre Agassi once praised Lleyton Hewitt's on-court decision-making, and Cruz seems to be following in his father's footsteps in this regard.
The match against Boogaard showcased Cruz's ability to adapt. Despite a momentary lapse where he dropped his serve, he responded aggressively, breaking Boogaard's serve and ultimately winning in straight sets. His serves, consistently reaching speeds close to 200km/h, have been a significant weapon, leaving opponents struggling to find a counter. This performance has solidified Cruz Hewitt's status as a rising star in tennis, and his future in the sport looks bright.
