Lleyton Hewitt's son Cruz to break into ITF Juniors top 100 rankings after J100 Christchurch triumph

Lleyton Hewitt's son Cruz has been following in his two-time Major-winning father's steps lately. The 15-year-old is set to break into the ITF Tour Juniors top 100 after his 100-level triumph in Christchurch.

Cruz Hewitt began playing on the juniors' circuit in September 2022. Since then, the Aussie has picked up seven titles across several levels. The teenager won his most recent tournament at Christchurch in New Zealand; he didn't drop a single set in his four wins en route to the final of the J100 event, where he beat Lachlan McFadzean 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

By virtue of the above run, Lleyton Hewitt's son jumped 13 places in the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors Rankings to achieve a new career-high ranking of 100. The 15-year-old Aussie notably won ten matches on the trot earlier this year to win two J200 titles, which has contributed to his rise in the juniors singles rankings.

Meanwhile, Cruz Hewitt is placed at No. 1767 as far as the ATP rankings are concerned. He scored his first tour-level ranking point in August thanks to a second-round result at an M15 event in Bali, Indonesia.

Hewitt Jr. has also competed in the boys' singles event at the Australian Open in the last two years. While he fell in the first qualifying round in 2023, he was granted a main draw wildcard this year before he exited in the first round to USA's Alexander Razeghi.

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Lleyton Hewitt won two Major titles during his career

Lleyton Hewitt at US Open 2001

Lleyton Hewitt was himself a promising teen prospect when he started on the ATP. The Aussie won his maiden pro title at the 1998 Adelaide International against all odds; ranked at a lowly 550 in the world, he defeated Andre Agassi en route to the Hardcourt title.

Hewitt announced himself at the head of the table soon after as he won his first-ever singles Major title at the 2001 US Open, where he downed Pete Sampras in the title match. The Aussie ended 2001-02 as the year-end World No. 1. He is also, to date, the youngest male player to rise to the top of the rankings at 20 years, eight months and 26 days.

Lleyton Hewitt would win his last Major title at the 2002 Wimbledon Championships, following which he had injury struggles. He retired from singles competition in 2016 and has since been inducted into the ITF Tennis Hall of Fame.