Lleyton Hewitt sticks up for his son Cruz after teen copped Australian Open backlash – and another Aussie tennis great backs the youngster
Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has defended his son Cruz after the teenager was targeted by trolls on social media.
Hewitt, 43, addressed speculation his son, 16, was handed an Australian Open wildcard for the qualifiers based largely on his famous surname.
Cruz was bundled out in the first round after he was beaten by former world No.16 Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets, but he won admirers for showing fight during the match.
He was one of four Aussies granted a wildcard into the qualifying draw alongside fallen star Bernard Tomic, Alex Bolt and Jason Kubler.
Some users on X were further incensed when they saw the youngster hitting with the likes of world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios, Carlos Alcaraz and local hope Alex de Minaur.
The on-the-rise teen is currently ranked 1264 in the world and is the junior world No.107, but good judges regard him as a player to watch.
Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has defended his son Cruz (pictured together) after the teenager was targeted by trolls on social media
This commenter suggested Cruz Hewitt was granted a wildcard ahead of qualifying for the Australian Open thanks to his famous father
Another bluntly stated Cruz Hewitt played Junior Davis Cup for Australia thanks to his father’s influence
Fellow Aussie tennis great Todd Woodbridge dismissed calls of ‘nepotism’ aimed at Cruz Hewitt on Tuesday
‘It’s a long journey,’ two-time grand slam winner Lleyton Hewitt said on Channel Nine when asked about his son’s progress on court on Tuesday.
‘I was excited to watch him play. He had a tough draw playing Basilashvili, a former No.16 and a guy who played finals at Indian Wells.
‘For Cruz to be around these guys, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur…. what unbelievable role models for him to see how they prepare.
‘He is playing well at the moment and it makes me excited when I see him hit with some of these world-class players… he can actually give them a good enough hit out there.’
Fellow Aussie tennis great Todd Woodbridge also backed the young gun, dismissing calls of ‘nepotism’ on social media.
‘Cruz is in these positions because he is a very good, talented young player and one of our best here in Australia,’ he told viewers on Tuesday.
‘He deserves every opportunity he has got to be there. Some people [online trolls] would like to say otherwise.
Cruz Hewitt is currently ranked 1264 in the world and is the junior world No.107 aged 16
‘I know you [Lleyton] have to deal with that and you shouldn’t have to, so I am putting it out there — he deserves to be there.’
Meanwhile, Cruz Hewitt is expected to play in the junior boy’s draw at the 2025 Open.
He will be brimming with confidence after claiming two titles in Sydney and one in Christchurch, New Zealand last year.
Play at Melbourne Park begins on January 18.
