Lleyton Hewitt’s son Cruz makes Australian Open junior debut in front of large crowd: ‘Just a really special moment’

Cruz Hewitt made his debut at the Australian Open in the junior boys’ championship, receiving a taste of what dad Lleyton experienced during his career as big crowds came out to watch him play.

The 15-year-old’s father and mother were there to watch him play – and Lleyton even stepped onto the court to help with his son’s warmup. 

Hewitt took on young gun Alexander Razeghi on Court 3 – the very same court where Lleyton played his first match during his debut in 1997.

‘Just unbelievably proud, to be honest,’ Lleyton told Nine before the match.

‘He wanted me to go out and warm him up. They asked me late last night if I’d actually go out and warm him up this morning on Show Court 3. Just a really special moment.

‘My first ever main-draw match at the Australian Open was actually out on Show Court 3 as well, so just some great memories coming back of me playing here.’

Hewitt got off to a good start against his 17-year-old opponent, but it wasn’t enough on the day with the American winning 6-2, 6-3.

‘It’s all over, too much experience here today for the wildcard Cruz Hewitt,’ a commentator said.

‘Razeghi just looked emotionally in control, physically bigger and with a lot more matches under his belt.

‘Unforced errors were a big problem for Hewitt, but good to see Cruz Hewitt getting an opportunity at the Australian Open.’

Hewitt, who has won three junior titles, received great support from the crowd and will remember this day for a long time to come. 

‘He’s been around the traps but he’s worked extremely hard to get this opportunity,’ Lleyton said of Cruz.

‘He’s playing well. He’s still very young – this is a learning experience and that’s what the junior event is all about.

‘He’s been fortunate enough to get a wildcard and hopefully, he goes out there and has a lot of fun.’