Cruz Hewitt, the teenage son of tennis great Lleyton Hewitt, has received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament as he pushes for a grand slam debut. Hewitt, 16, will attempt to reach the main draw for the first time 28 years after his father debuted at Melbourne Park as a 15-year-old.
The junior world No 107 debuted in the junior competition last year and was knocked out in the first round. One of Australia’s most highly rated juniors, Hewitt is expected to feature in the junior tournament again but will look to step up his transition to senior tennis in 2025.
The comparisons to father Lleyton will undoubtedly come with Cruz’s entry, but the tall teenager is so far taking it in his stride. “It is what it is, but I don’t really mind,” he said at this month’s Newcombe medal awards. “It just drives me to be better.”
His father noted of the inevitable comparisons: “Oh, they’ve already been there – ever since he picked up a racket. He’s just got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun. He’s been doing great so far.”
The older Hewitt went on an inspired run through qualifying as a 15-year-old wildcard in 1997 to reach the first of 20 consecutive main draw appearances. He went on to become world No 1 and claimed US Open and Wimbledon titles.
Former world No 17 Bernard Tomic, veteran Jason Kubler and Alex Bolt are also among 10 Australian men given wildcards for qualifying. 32-year-old Tomic is eyeing his first main draw appearance in four years after previously making the fourth round three times. Omar Jasika has received a main draw wildcard for his red-hot run of ITF form.
World No 113 Kimberly Birrell headlines 13 Australian women in qualifying. The likes of Maddison Inglis, Arina Rodionova, Priscilla Hon, Taylah Preston and Destanee Aiava will also push to reach the main draw.
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Former world No 1 Simona Halep, 33, has also been awarded a qualifying wildcard as she steps up her comeback. Halep’s career stalled due to a doping ban that was reduced on appeal this year. Her ranking of 877 was too low to earn direct entry into qualifying hence her wildcard.
“The thought of returning to Australia after three years is exciting and I’m very grateful to the tournament for this opportunity,” said Halep. “I have been working hard to get ready for the 2025 season. The Australian Open has provided me with some of the best moments in my career, so I can’t wait to be back in Melbourne and playing in front of the Aussie fans.”
