Standing alongside his father at the 2024 Newcombe Awards, Cruz Hewitt understands the weight of expectation and is taking it in his stride.
Cruz, 15, picked up two titles on the ITF Junior Tour this year and clinched his maiden professional win in August, helping him achieve a career-high No.99 in the junior rankings.
The early comparisons have been there from the beginning, and it's little surprise considering Lleyton's standing in the game as a dual Grand Slam champion and former world No.1.
However, the Davis Cup captain's son isn't letting the background noise bother him.
"It is what it is. But I don’t really mind," the male junior athlete of the year nominee said. "It just drives me to be better."
Lleyton commented on the comparisons: "Oh, they’ve already been there – ever since he picked up a racquet," he said.
"He’s just got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun. He’s been doing great so far."
Still yet to be fully exposed to the challenges that lie ahead on the professional circuit, the 2013 Newcombe Medal winner explained the importance of Cruz staying grounded.
"It’s hard to know how he’ll end up," admitted Lleyton. "But he’s a good shot maker. He’s got a little bit more firepower than probably I did, but it’s a long journey, absolutely.”
"It’s getting harder and harder to jump on to the men’s tour at such a young age and to make that transition.
"He’s just got to enjoy it. It’s stepping stones. It's about always trying to keep improving."
At the 2024 Australian Open, Cruz made his debut in the Junior Boys' singles, defeated in straight sets in the first round on Show Court 3.
Now expected to appear at Melbourne Park once again with a higher ranking, Cruz is hopeful that the best is yet to come.
"The crowd was so good. The support was amazing," he said when referring to January's Grand Slam.
"I was a bit sad I didn’t get the win, but it was still a great experience, and definitely I learned a lot, so I’m excited to get back out there next year."
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