Lleyton Offers Crucial Guidance to Cruz After Australian Open Setback
Lleyton Hewitt has shared valuable advice with his son, Cruz, as he navigates his tennis journey. Cruz, currently ranked 38th among juniors globally, faced a setback at the Australian Open qualifying round, losing to Michael Zheng with a score of 6-3, 6-3. Despite this disappointment, Cruz is set to participate in the junior boys’ event at Melbourne Park.
Lleyton’s Support for Cruz
The proud father, who was honored as the male junior performer of the year at the Newcombe Medal last year, has emphasized the importance of forging his path in the sport. He encourages Cruz to avoid measuring his progress against others and instead focus on his unique journey. “Everyone develops at their own pace,” Lleyton stated.
- Cruz ranked 38th in junior tennis
- Lost 6-3, 6-3 in Australian Open qualifying
- Will compete in junior boys’ event
Key Advice from Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton has advised Cruz to enjoy the grind of tennis and maintain a strong mental focus. He stressed consistency as a means of improvement. The Davis Cup captain noted, “Staying humble and hungry will give him opportunities.”
Sharing the court with Cruz has been a special experience for Lleyton. Last year, they teamed up at the NSW Open, showcasing their combined talent. Lleyton, reflecting on their partnership, said, “It’s a memory I’ll hang onto.”
Australia’s Emerging Tennis Stars
Apart from Cruz, Alex de Minaur also represents Australia’s hopes at the Australian Open. Ranked No. 6 in the world, de Minaur aims to reach the tournament’s later stages, having struggled against top contenders like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Lleyton expressed confidence in De Minaur’s professionalism and continuous improvement.
- Alex de Minaur: Career-high World No. 6
- Aiming to advance past quarterfinals in 2026
On the women’s side, 19-year-old Maya Joint is making waves as Australia’s top female player, seeded at 32. Her recent victory over Sofia Kenin shows her readiness for the challenge. Having claimed WTA 250 titles last year, Joint aims for higher achievements in 2026, including competing deeper in Grand Slam events.
Maya Joint’s Journey
Joint, born in Michigan and now based in Brisbane, switched her representation from the United States to Australia in 2023. She cherishes her Australian roots and is focused on her career and studies. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice through the WTA’s university program.
As the Australian Open main draw approaches, Cruz, de Minaur, and Joint are all set to showcase their talent on the world stage. The tournament begins on January 18, promising excitement for Australian tennis fans.
