Home Australia Lleyton Hewitt sticks up for his son Cruz after teen copped Australian Open backlash – and another Aussie tennis great backs the youngster

Lleyton Hewitt sticks up for his son Cruz after teen copped Australian Open backlash – and another Aussie tennis great backs the youngster

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Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has defended his son Cruz (pictured together) after the teenager was attacked by trolls on social media.
  • Allegations of nepotism surrounding teenager Cruz Hewitt
  • 16-year-old impressed in attempt to reach Grand Slam

Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has defended his son Cruz after the teenager was attacked by trolls on social media.

Hewitt, 43, addressed speculation that his 16-year-old son was awarded an Australian Open wild card for the qualifiers based largely on his famous surname.

Cruz was eliminated in the first round after being defeated by former world number 16 Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets, but won admirers for showing fight during the match.

He was one of four Australians awarded a wild card into the qualifying draw alongside fallen star Bernard Tomic, Alex Bolt and Jason Kubler.

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The rising teenager is currently ranked 1264 in the world and is world junior number 107, but good judges consider him a player to watch.

Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has defended his son Cruz (pictured together) after the teenager was attacked by trolls on social media.

This commentator suggested that Cruz Hewitt was granted a wild card before qualifying for the Australian Open thanks to his famous father.

This commentator suggested that Cruz Hewitt was granted a wild card ahead of Australian Open qualification thanks to his famous father.

Another bluntly stated that Cruz Hewitt played the Junior Davis Cup for Australia thanks to his father's influence.

Another bluntly stated that Cruz Hewitt played the Junior Davis Cup for Australia thanks to his father’s influence.

Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge dismissed calls of 'nepotism' directed at Cruz Hewitt on Tuesday

Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge dismissed calls of ‘nepotism’ directed 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 the court on Tuesday.

“I was excited to see him play. He had a difficult draw against Basilashvili, former number 16 and player who played finals in Indian Wells.

‘That Cruz is close to these guys, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Miñaur… what incredible role models for him to see how they prepare.

“He’s playing well right now and I get excited when I see him bat with some of these world-class players… he can really hit them well enough.”

Fellow Australian tennis player Todd Woodbridge also backed the youngster, dismissing calls of “nepotism” on social media.

“Cruz is in these positions because he is a very good and talented young player and one of the best here in Australia,” he told viewers on Tuesday.

“He deserves every chance he gets to be there. Some people (online trolls) would like to say otherwise.

Cruz Hewitt is currently ranked 1264 in the world and is world junior number 107 at age 16.

Cruz Hewitt is currently ranked 1264 in the world and is world junior number 107 at age 16.

“I know you (Lleyton) have to deal with it and you shouldn’t have to, so I’m saying it: he deserves to be there.”

Meanwhile, Cruz Hewitt is expected to play in the men’s junior draw at the 2025 Open.

He will be full of confidence after taking two titles in Sydney and one in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year.

Play at Melbourne Park begins on January 18.

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