Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Woodbridge have leapt to the defence of Cruz Hewitt's tennis ability, reassuring doubters that "he deserves to be there".
Cruz, 16, was given a wildcard to compete in the men's singles Australian Open qualifying rounds last week, bowing out to former world No.16 Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 6-4 in 73 minutes.
The result led to unpleasant comments on social media, suggesting Cruz had not done enough to earn a wildcard berth.
Click here to watch live tennis on Stan Sport.
However, former doubles world No.1 and now Channel 9 tennis commentator Todd Woodbridge wasn't having any of it.
"What is interesting for Lleyton Hewitt, he’s been trying to say that for ages, but his son doesn’t listen to his father," Woodbridge said during Channel 9's Australian Open coverage.
"But I can say, Cruz is in these positions because he is a very good, talented young player and one of our best here in Australia.
"He deserves every opportunity he has got to be there. Some people would like to say otherwise. I know you have to deal with that and you shouldn’t have to, so I am putting it out there — he deserves to be there."
Woodbridge was joined by Lleyton at the desk, as he also took the opportunity to defend Cruz in what is still a lengthy process ahead.
"It’s a long journey," the two-time Grand Slam champion said.
"I was excited to watch him play. He had a tough draw playing Basilashvili, a former No.16 and a guy who played finals at Indian Wells [in 2021].
"For Cruz to be around these guys, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur — he is always around as well. Unbelievable role models for him to see how they prepare, taking the right steps leading into big matches, but such nice guys as well.
"He is playing well at the moment and it makes me excited when I see him hit with some of these world-class players and the best guys going around and he can actually give them a good enough hit out there."
Cruz is currently ranked No.60 in the ITF junior rankings after claiming two titles in Sydney and one in Christchurch last year.
The teenager will now focus on playing in the junior boys' draw at Melbourne Park, where he made his debut last year in a first-round loss.
AATC – Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches, Providing Quality Coach Education Globally. Led by Industry Leaders and Tennis Business Owners who understand your journey. 🌏 Learn Locally, Coach Globally 🚀 Start Your Coaching Journey Today. Enrol Now at www.aatc.tennis
Comments