‘Dad was proud’: Cruz Hewitt makes winning debut at Wimbledon

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Son-of-a-champion Cruz Hewitt has dedicated his straight-sets victory on his Wimbledon debut to a close family friend from the Bahamas who died in recent months.

The 16-year-old rising star – who is already a top-50 junior in the world and beginning to make his mark on the men’s tour – could hardly have impressed more in defeating Russian Savva Rybkin 6-1, 6-2 in only 51 minutes in the first round of the boys’ singles.

Cruz Hewitt said it was “special” to win his first-ever match at Wimbledon, where his father won the 2002 men’s title.

Hewitt’s victory follows him upsetting junior world No.5 – and Lindsay Davenport’s son – Jagger Leach, 18, at Roehampton a week ago, and sets up a clash with 11th-seeded Finn Oskari Paldanius next.

Fellow Australians Emerson Jones, the world’s top-ranked junior girl, and Tahlia Kokkinis are into the second round in the girls’ singles.

Hewitt’s father, former world No.1 Lleyton, who won the 2002 Wimbledon men’s title over Argentina’s David Nalbandian, was courtside at the All England club for his son’s milestone win.

Hewitt has watched highlights of his famous father’s 2002 Wimbledon triumph, including how the dual grand slam champion “didn’t serve-volley until match point, and he lost it, so then he had to go back to grinding”.

There is pressure that comes with following in his dad’s footsteps, but he said he was taking it in his stride.

“Dad was proud. It was great to have him there. [It’s always been] me watching him, and he just said, ‘Now you can finally play on the courts and enjoy it’, so it was a great day,” Hewitt told this masthead.

“There is nothing you can do about [who your dad is]. It’s a little tough, but there are pros and cons, and you’ve just got to focus on the positives that come with it, so that’s what I try and do.”

One positive is Lleyton’s status as Davis Cup captain, which afforded Hewitt – who made his first men’s final at the $25,000 event at Launceston in March – the chance to grow up around, and hit with, Australia’s best players.

Team Hewitt, including Lleyton (bottom right), Jaymon Crabb (middle) and Matt Reid (black top), were pleased to see Cruz Hewitt win on his Wimbledon debut.

“It’s been great, watching all the Australian players, and trying to do what they do and compete well,” Hewitt said. “The passion they play with in Davis Cup is great. Hopefully, one day, I can play for Australia, too.”

Hewitt had a decent-sized crowd watching him on court nine, including former world No.3 Ivan Ljubicic, and received a strong ovation after sealing victory. He celebrated with arms outstretched before tapping his chest and pointing to the sky.

“It was a great feeling. I’ve watched my dad play here for many years, and I’ve always wanted to play on these courts, so I was enjoying every moment,” Hewitt said.

“That [post-match reaction] was to a close friend of mine who passed away, who I wish could have watched, so I pointed to the sky.

“He was one of my close family friends in the Bahamas [where the Hewitts own a home], who unfortunately passed away a few months ago. It was a dream for him, and of mine, to play here, so it was a special moment.”

Rybkin is a fellow top-50 junior, so Hewitt’s dominant performance was even more notable in that context.

He rifled five aces among 26 winners, including 16 on his favoured forehand wing, which has a distinct similarity in technique to 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.

Hewitt’s most spectacular shot came in the penultimate game, when he hit a deep return, then opened the court with a cross-court forehand before unleashing a blistering inside-out forehand winner from well behind the baseline to break Rybkin’s serve.

He celebrated with gusto, letting out an extended guttural roar.

“I just try and rip the forehand,” Hewitt said. “I’ve been thinking about Nick – he’s got a good forehand, too, so I guess it’s good to have the similarities. But I’d love to have his serve.”

Hewitt has developed a close bond with Australia’s top player Alex de Minaur, who is preparing to face seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on centre court on Monday for a quarter-final spot.

“I’ve known Alex growing up, and he’s been a great role model towards me, and gives me advice all the time. He’s just like an older brother,” Hewitt said. “He’s playing well. He’s got a big match against Novak, and he’s going to give it his all, like he always does, and I think he can get it done.”

Another Australian, Jordan Thompson, lost to Djokovic on Wimbledon’s centre court two years ago in a tight three-setter. Like Hewitt, Thompson is optimistic about what his countryman can do against the 24-time major winner.

“Demon’s beaten [Djokovic], and I haven’t. I played a very different style that day than I’m sure Demon will play tomorrow,” Thompson said.

“He’s the greatest of our sport, on one of his many home courts. [De Minaur]’s going to have his work cut out, but he’s beaten him before. I know it’s going to be a tall order in this type of setting, but if he believes he can win, he can. He’s the underdog, so hopefully he plays freely and just takes it to him.”

Marc McGowan travelled to Wimbledon with the support of Tennis Australia

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