The promising junior career of Cruz Hewitt has hit an early hurdle at Melbourne Park, with the teenage son of Australian tennis royalty bowing out in the first round of Australian Open qualifying.
Disappointing Exit for Aussie Hopeful
Cruz Hewitt, the 17-year-old carrying the famous surname, saw his 2024 qualifying campaign end on Tuesday. He was defeated by American Michael Zheng, ranked 174th in the world, in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The match played out in front of a supportive, packed crowd at the ANZ Arena, but the local favourite couldn't find a way past his more experienced opponent.
This result marks the second consecutive year that Hewitt, currently ranked 734th globally, has been eliminated at the first hurdle of the qualifying tournament. His quest to reach the main draw of a Grand Slam will have to wait at least another year.
Flashes of Brilliance Amidst the Struggle
The young Aussie started the match with confidence, holding his serve comfortably as the first six games went with the server. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the American's favour from that point. Zheng won five consecutive games to seize the first set and secure an early break in the second.
True to his family's fighting spirit, Hewitt showed glimpses of the tenacity that made his father, Lleyton Hewitt, a champion. He battled back to break Zheng's serve after a lengthy game in the second set, unleashing a familiar "c'mon" and fist pump that echoed his dad's famous on-court passion.
Unfortunately, the teenager couldn't consolidate the break. On both occasions when he fought back, he immediately lost his own service game in the next, handing the initiative back to the composed American.
Looking Ahead to Junior Championships
For the 21-year-old Zheng, the victory is a significant step as he aims to make the main draw of a Grand Slam for the very first time. "First time here, it's been an unbelievable experience so far," Zheng said after the match. "It's a full stadium so not much more I could ask for. Super excited."
The focus for Cruz Hewitt now shifts to the boys' singles tournament at Melbourne Park. He will be hoping to improve on his first-round exit from the junior event last year and use the experience to build his game for future professional campaigns.
