At just 16 years old, Cruz Hewitt is making headlines in the tennis world as he follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Lleyton Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1. While Cruz’s rise as a tennis prodigy has garnered admiration, it has also reportedly caused tensions within the Hewitt family, particularly among his sisters, Mia and Ava.
With Cruz securing a coveted wildcard entry into the Australian Open 2025 qualifying event, questions about family dynamics and fairness in tennis have surfaced. Critics argue that his famous last name might afford him opportunities unavailable to less privileged juniors, further complicating the narrative around his budding career.
Sibling Rivalry or Natural Growing Pains?
Sources close to the family reveal that Cruz’s sisters, 19-year-old Mia and 13-year-old Ava, are proud of their brother but occasionally feel overshadowed by the focus on his tennis career.
“Don’t get me wrong—they adore their brother,” an insider shared exclusively with Woman’s Day. “But after years of being on the road with their dad during his career, the girls can’t help but feel like it’s happening all over again with Cruz.”
Mia, who is forging her own path in the entertainment industry as a wardrobe assistant for Home and Away, is said to be determined to create an independent identity. Meanwhile, Ava, an aspiring dancer, has a similarly busy schedule, often requiring support from their mother, Bec Hewitt.
“Lleyton is a terrific father, but his focus on Cruz’s career leaves a lot of the parenting for Mia and Ava to Bec,” the source continued. “It’s only natural that the girls miss having more time with their dad.”
Cruz’s Tennis Career: A Path Paved by Privilege?
Cruz has been diligently preparing for his Australian Open debut, a goal he has worked toward for years under the guidance of his father. Lleyton himself acknowledged the long journey, saying, “It’s been a long road. Cruz has worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity.”
However, the decision to grant Cruz a wildcard has not been without its detractors. Traditionally, these slots are reserved for players with limited resources who struggle to afford the demands of the professional circuit.
“There’s a perception that Cruz is benefiting from his father’s influence,” a tennis insider explained. “While his talent is undeniable, critics argue that other juniors, whose parents sacrifice everything to support their dreams, might deserve the opportunity more.”
Should Cruz advance to the main draw, even a first-round exit would earn him $120,000 in prize money—a significant sum for any teenager.
Balancing Fame, Family, and Aspirations
Despite the occasional friction, sources emphasize that the Hewitt family remains close-knit, even if their busy schedules often keep them apart.
“Lleyton’s commitments to tennis commentary and coaching make it hard for the entire family to spend time together,” a family friend shared. “But that doesn’t mean they’re not supportive of each other.”
Bec, 41, has taken on much of the responsibility for supporting their daughters’ endeavors. From attending Ava’s dance recitals to encouraging Mia’s modeling aspirations, she plays an instrumental role in ensuring their daughters feel valued and supported.
Mia’s burgeoning career in the entertainment industry is particularly reminiscent of her mother’s own acting days on Home and Away. “She’s determined to have it all, but she sees her current job as a stepping stone to bigger things,” said a source close to Mia.
Past Tensions and Future Expectations
While the family dynamics occasionally attract attention, the Hewitts are no strangers to public scrutiny. Lleyton’s illustrious career often demanded extensive travel, and his daughters experienced the challenges of growing up in the shadow of their father’s fame.
Today, as Cruz steps into the spotlight, the family faces similar challenges in balancing support for his career with individual attention for each member.
Cruz’s Wildcard and the Public Backlash
Cruz’s inclusion in the Australian Open 2025 qualifiers has reignited debates about privilege in sports. Critics argue that his father’s $25 million net worth and influence in tennis might overshadow the meritocratic ideals of the game.
“While many believe Cruz deserves the wildcard, there’s a lot of pressure on him to prove he earned it,” the insider added. “His family’s wealth and connections make it hard for some to see his achievements as solely his own.”
Despite the noise, Cruz remains focused on his goals, with Lleyton emphasizing the hard work and dedication that have brought his son to this point.
What’s Next for the Hewitts?
As the Australian Open approaches, all eyes are on the Hewitt family. Whether Cruz will live up to expectations or face challenges similar to those his father overcame remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Mia and Ava continue to carve out their own paths, proving that the Hewitt legacy extends far beyond the tennis court.
“Mia’s poised for a breakout moment in modeling, and Ava is deeply committed to her dance career,” the insider concluded. “At the end of the day, the Hewitts may have their differences, but their bond remains strong.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.