{"id":44216,"date":"2026-07-29T00:59:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T00:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/44216\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T00:59:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T00:59:17","slug":"cruz-hewitt-wins-huge-match-at-mubadala-dc-open-and-performs-dad-lleytons-celebration-as-alex-de-minaur-awaits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/44216\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruz Hewitt wins huge match at Mubadala DC Open and performs dad Lleyton\u2019s celebration as Alex de Minaur awaits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aussie teenage sensation Cruz Hewitt has claimed the biggest victory of his young tennis career to set up a potential clash with compatriot Alex de Minaur.<\/p>\n

The 17-year-old claimed a stunning 6-3 6-4 win over World No.86 Marcos Giron in Washington \u2014 his first triumph on the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n

Watch Cruz Hewitt\u2019s winning moment via the video player above<\/p>\n

Hewitt, whose legendary dad Lleyton won the event 22 years ago, will move into the top 400 in the world thanks to the dominant performance \u2014 which sees him progress into the last 16.<\/p>\n

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n

After sealing the victory with a sublime forehand, he pulled out the same \u201cC\u2019mon\u201d celebration as his dad, pointing four fingers back at his forehead like an arrow.<\/p>\n

He is the youngest player to win a match in the tournament since Kei Nishikori 19 years ago, and just the second son of a former World No.1 to secure an ATP victory after Bjorn Borg\u2019s son Leon.<\/p>\n

All eyes will be on him in the next round, particularly if defending champion De Minaur comes through his first round match against Stefano Tsitsipas to set up an all-Aussie clash.<\/p>\n

Hewitt\u2019s next match will take place on Thursday morning (AEST).<\/p>\n

After the match, Hewitt said: \u201cSuper thrilled with my win today.Thank you to everyone who came down to support. I heard some Aussies in the crowd so I\u2019m grateful for you guys.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to get back out there whenever I play, so thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reacting to the teen\u2019s display, tennis expert Jose Morgado said: \u201cWOW. 17yo Cruz Hewitt (#618), son of the former #1 and Hall of Famer Lleyton Hewitt, doesn\u2019t face a break point on his ATP MD debut, beats #85 Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4 and reaches the R2 in Washington, his 1st ATP win and *by far* the best win of his life. Will enter the top 400!\u201d<\/p>\n

Fellow reporter Pavvy G reacted: \u201cHuge congrats to 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt, the qualifier has just won his first ever main draw ATP Tour win, beating Top 100 Marcos Giron at the ATP 500 in Washington. Cruz, celebrating in the same way as his Dad Lleyton Hewitt, love it!\u201d<\/p>\n

While the ATP Tour shared his winning moment and added: \u201c17. Fearless. Victorious. Following in his dad\u2019s footsteps, Cruz is writing his own chapter in the Hewitt story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tennis fan La vie de Ronnie said: \u201cA star is born. This guy is his father\u2019s son for real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Cruz<\/p>\n

And Tennis Insights replied: \u201cClinical in attack, relentless in defence… remind you of another Aussie? Cruz Hewitt makes it one from one on the ATP tour as he shows great skills in both attack and defence to move past Giron.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hewitt was given a late call up to the event<\/a> with a qualifying wildcard after his run through to the final of the boys singles at Wimbledon.<\/p>\n

He then benefited from two retirements to reach the main singles draw.<\/p>\n

The Washington Open is one of the biggest tournaments hosted in the United States as an ATP 500 and WTA 500 event.<\/p>\n

Hewitt had only previously been handed wildcards \u2014 above the level of ATP Challenger and ITF circuits \u2014 on home soil where he played in the 2025 and 2026 Australian Opens, failing to win a set.<\/p>\n

He also got a wildcard for the Brisbane International in January \u2014 an ATP 250 level event.<\/p>\n

Originally published as Cruz Hewitt seals historic win and performs epic celebration as fellow Aussie awaits<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Aussie teenage sensation Cruz Hewitt has claimed the biggest victory of his young tennis career to set 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