Cruz Hewitt's rise at Wimbledon 2024 junior tournament

Consensus Summary

Cruz Hewitt, a 17-year-old Australian tennis prodigy and son of former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, is making headlines at Wimbledon [DATE UNVERIFIED] as he advances through the junior boys’ singles tournament. Hewitt, the 14th seed and second-highest-ranked 17-year-old male player, defeated New Zealand-born German Jamie Mackenzie in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 on court 12, securing his place in the quarter-finals. His father won Wimbledon 24 years prior, adding to the family’s legacy. Hewitt’s powerful play, including eight aces without a double fault and a clutch save at 15-40 in the second set, has drawn comparisons to his father’s style. The match took place on court 12, and his previous win over French 14th seed Mathys Domenc led to a crowd surge between courts seven and eight, with fans including Roger Federer’s twin daughters and a brother. Hewitt’s maturity and composure, including apologizing for net cord calls despite no lets in juniors, have been noted. His father, a two-time Grand Slam champion, was late to the match due to an invitational doubles win with Fabio Fognini but cheered his son’s inside-out forehand winner that sealed triple match point. Hewitt aims to win the boys’ singles title, marking what may be his final junior event, and has already triumphed in a warm-up exhibition at the Hurlingham Club.