Cruz Hewitt has recorded the biggest win of his tennis career, becoming the youngest Australian to win an ATP Tour main-draw match overseas since his father, Lleyton Hewitt, achieved the feat nearly three decades ago.
The 17-year-old defeated world No. 86 Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4 at the Washington Open to claim his first ATP Tour victory and progress to the last 16.
The win will lift Hewitt into the world’s top 400, up 255 places to No. 357, after reaching the boys’ singles final at Wimbledon earlier this month.
In a nod to his father, Hewitt celebrated match point with Lleyton Hewitt’s trademark “C’mon” gesture, pointing four fingers towards his forehead.
The result also saw him become the youngest Australian to win an ATP main-draw match outside Australia since his father did so when he was 17 in New Haven in 1998.
Hewitt is also the youngest player to win a match at the Washington tournament since Kei Nishikori 19 years ago.
After the match, Hewitt thanked supporters in the crowd.
“Super thrilled with my win today. Thank you to everyone who came down to support. I heard some Aussies in the crowd so I’m grateful for you guys.
“I can’t wait to get back out there whenever I play, so thank you so much.”
Hewitt could now face fellow Australian Alex de Minaur in the next round if the defending champion defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in his opening match.
The teenager received a qualifying wildcard for the tournament and progressed to the main draw, after two opponents retired during the earlier rounds.
It marks a significant breakthrough for Hewitt, who had previously received ATP-level wildcards at the Australian Open in 2025 and 2026 and the Brisbane International.
The ATP Tour celebrated the result on social media, writing: “17. Fearless. Victorious. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Cruz is writing his own chapter in the Hewitt story.”
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado described the performance as the best win of Hewitt’s career to date, while many fans noted the similarities between father and son.
“A star is born. This guy is his father’s son for real,” one fan wrote.
Hewitt’s next match is scheduled for Friday morning (AEST).
Image: X
