Cruz Hewitt has advanced to the Wimbledon boys’ singles final, becoming the first Australian to reach this stage since Alex de Minaur ten years ago. Hewitt secured his spot in the championship match by defeating Thijs Boogaard of the Netherlands with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the semi-final on Friday. His performance has drawn considerable interest, particularly as he has progressed through the tournament without dropping a single set.
The 17-year-old’s journey to the final has been marked by strong play, including a win over Bulgarian ninth seed Dimitar Kisimov with a score of 6-1, 6-2 in an earlier round. Hewitt’s father, Lleyton Hewitt, the 2002 Wimbledon champion, has been present, watching his son’s matches. The younger Hewitt has been familiar with the All England Club since childhood, often accompanying his father during his playing career.
Hewitt’s Form and Mentorship
Hewitt’s game has shown significant development over the past year. His serve has been a key weapon, with 29 aces recorded across five wins, placing him among the top servers in the boys’ draw. He also boasts a powerful forehand, contributing to a modern style of play that combines a strong serve with a decisive follow-up shot. While his movement on court differs from his father’s, he navigates the court effectively, and his backhand is described as solid.
The young Australian has been focusing on senior tournaments this year, which has contributed to his progression. His season includes a quarter-final appearance at an ATP Challenger event in Brisbane, along with victories against men ranked in the 200s and a title win in a World Tennis event. These results, coupled with his recent performances at Wimbledon and an invitational event in Hurlingham, highlight his growth as a player.
Mentorship from his father and opportunities to train with players like Alex de Minaur, a top 10 fixture for the past three years, have also played a role in his development. Hewitt mentioned that hitting with de Minaur provides valuable advice, and observing top players helps him refine his own game, particularly in maintaining a consistent level during practice.
Anticipation for the Final
Cruz Hewitt will face American Jordan Lee in the final. Lee, a 16-year-old, has also demonstrated strong form throughout the tournament. Hewitt acknowledged that nerves are a natural part of playing in a final for a title, but expressed confidence in his ability to manage them and elevate his game for the occasion.
The last Australian to win the boys’ title at Wimbledon was Luke Saville in 2011. Hewitt’s run to the final without dropping a set has generated excitement among fans in Australia and London. He expressed his desire to carve out his own career path, aiming to be the best person and tennis player he can be, rather than solely focusing on equalling or surpassing his father’s achievements.
Hewitt’s mental resilience was evident in his semi-final win against Thijs Boogaard, where he recovered from a service break down in the second set. He stated that he was particularly proud of his mental performance and ability to stay focused throughout the match. Coached by former Australian Davis Cup representative Wayne Arthurs, Hewitt has also received support from other Australian tennis figures, including Jaymon Crabb.
The championship match is scheduled to take place on Sunday AEST.
Source: foxsports.com.au
